Living With the Black Dog: My Journey Through Depression and Faith

A few days ago, I watched the World Health Organization’s video, “I Had a Black Dog, His Name Was Depression.” It’s a simple, powerful animation based on Matthew Johnstone’s book, and it’s touched millions of lives. For me, it was more than a video—it was a mirror. I saw myself in the story, in the metaphors, and in the comments from people all over the world who have lived with their own “black dog.”

The “black dog” is a metaphor for depression that dates back to Winston Churchill, who famously described his own struggles this way. The video uses this image to show how depression can follow you everywhere, sap your energy, and make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. It’s not about the color or the animal—it’s about the weight, the shadow, and the persistence of the illness.

Reading through the thousands of comments, I was struck by how many people said, “This is exactly how I feel.” Others shared that they finally understood what their loved ones were going through. Some even said the video gave them the courage to seek help.

After watching the video, I finally went to my GP. I’ve always struggled with the idea of medication. As an Anglican, I felt a strange sense of shame, as if taking antidepressants was a sign of spiritual weakness. But then I read about the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who openly shares that he takes antidepressants every day. He said, “I carry an inhaler everywhere, I take an antidepressant every morning. Big deal. . . They are two sides of the same coin.”

That simple statement helped me see that mental health is just as real as physical health. If I wouldn’t hesitate to take medication for asthma or diabetes, why should I hesitate for depression?

One of the most powerful things about the “black dog” video is how it breaks the silence. Depression thrives in secrecy and shame. The more we talk about it, the less power it has. The Archbishop’s openness, and the stories shared in the video’s comments, remind us that we are not alone.

Many people in the comments described how hard it is to explain depression to others. Some said they lost relationships, jobs, or years of their lives to the illness. Others found hope in therapy, medication, exercise, or simply in knowing that someone else understood.

Faith communities can be both a source of comfort and a source of stigma. The Church, like the rest of society, has sometimes struggled to understand mental illness. But as Archbishop Welby said, “No one will take mental health as seriously as the Church has the potential to do.” We need to create safe spaces where people can talk about their struggles without fear of judgment.

Faith doesn’t make us immune to depression, but it can give us hope. It can remind us that we are loved, that our lives have purpose, and that healing is possible—even if it’s slow.

If you’re living with a black dog, know that you are not alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of courage. Whether it’s talking to a doctor, a friend, a therapist, or a faith leader, the first step is to reach out.

As one commenter wrote, “The only shame is missing out on life.” Don’t let depression steal your days. There is hope, and there is help.

Psalm 42:11 offers comfort and honesty for those struggling with depression: “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Naming my “black dog” feels like joining the psalmist in this vulnerable confession, openly recognizing the heaviness and shadow that depression brings rather than hiding from it. Yet the psalm doesn’t leave us in that place of sorrow. It urges, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” This captures the heart of faith during mental illness—a gentle reminder that hope endures, even in the darkest moments, and that praise is still possible. It becomes a prayer for resilience, an act of trust, and a promise to keep searching for light, even when depression tries to obscure it.

The Black Dog Institute stands as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Founded in 2002 by Scientia Professor Gordon Parker at the UNSW School of Psychiatry, this Australian-based, not-for-profit organization is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health conditions. Like the Archbishop, the Black Dog Institute recognizes the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health. They offer clinics, seminars, workshops, and online tools.

The black dog may never leave completely, but it can be tamed. With support, treatment, and understanding, life can become brighter again. If you’re struggling, please reach out. You are worth it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please seek help from a healthcare professional or reach out to a trusted person in your community. You are not alone, click here for resources.