I remember watching videos like this, or commercials for antidepressants when I was younger and thinking, " oh how silly! That will never be me!" A couple of years later the "black dog" came ringing my door bell and life just hasn't been the same.

Sometimes i feel like i have a black elephant.

When I first watched this video years ago. it made no sense to me. till I got a black dog of my own.

This made me cry so much. It's important for people to know that depression is not merely feeling "gloomy" or "under the weather". It's an awful, awful illness that makes you feel scared of everything and everyone, of going to bed, getting up, meeting people or staying by yourself, and makes your heart as heavy as a stone and your life devoid of all pleasure.

This made me cry.

The worst thing about depression it is that the worse it gets the more you desperately want and appreciate the things you can no longer feel like love, memory, friendship, imagination. As it get's worse you can only reflect the opposite of what you want. When all you want is a friend no one want's to talk to you because there is nothing left inside to talk about. When all you want is love all you feel is bitter, when all you want is your mind back you can't even put two damn thoughts together.

This helped me look at my depression in a different way. I also have an actual black dog who helps me too.

Seek help where? i have no one to speak to when i feel depressed and sad i go to sleep. Going to sleep with my anxiety and depression, burning heart, jealousy. People only think you are a weirdo if you open you heart.

An incredibly accurate visualisation of depression and generally my life at the moment. A few months on medication has made a very noticeable and welcome improvement for me and I'm in the processes of arranging therapy. As always, IT doesn't get better. YOU get better.

Depression cost me the love of my life. I hope that all the people who are suffering in silence get to see this video, and recognise how important its message is.

This made me cry. What a beautifully illustrated depiction of what can be a pretty ugly struggle. Thank you for sharing.

I did not expect this to affect me the way it did. I'm sobbing right now. This was just. My god.

I cried. I have always had a hard time explaining to someone what it feels like to be depressed. Now I'll just direct them to this video as it portrays depression perfectly. Thank you.

Black Dog is the main character of my life,not even me.No point of it,I just wanna die..Never reached anything yet.

The part about being devoid of feeling altogether... I'm really glad that was brought up.

This is so incredibly accurate. The black dog deprives you of your ability to feel hope. And when a human doesn't have hope, it's lost.

when I suffered from Depression I hated I was depressed but my recovery started when I admitted it, accepted it and went to the doctors. I'm a head strong person and I didn't want to take medication. So I started doing thing's I never usually did and I soon started to feel better about myself. I used to ride 20 miles a day and it helped me. Riding 10 miles 1 way and 10 miles back everyday for 3 months I free'd my mind and I soon recovered. The first step for me was accepting and admitting, the next was excising and forgetting about what brought me down. I hope this helps, even if it helps only1 person.

Remember “I had a Black Dog, his name was depression” KZfaq video? This video and many others uploaded on the WHO #KZfaq channel (kzfaq.info) have now received more than ONE MILLION views. One million THANK YOU for the views, comments, likes and shares. Tell us - which video is your favorite?

Most nights i wake up before 0400, and i just wait for someone to knock on my door with bad news. Sometimes i don't pick up mail for weeks and some days i never go outside my apparment. I go to work and i act all normal. I smile and i laugh, and that is the few moments i don't have a black dog biting my arm. I'm at my most happy when i'm out with friends or with my family. But i self medicate with alcohol, but no one notices. This video made me cry. It makes me realise that i need to start doing something about it. The black dog in my life can be the biggest beast in the world, and a calm life partner. I will never get rid of him completly. But maybe we can work together.

i wish there were people to help me

To those with negative feedback or comments. ... are you really helping... or are you part of the problem?. What happens if this video gave someone a breath of fresh air an epiphany about their life, and then looking through the comments finds your negativity and feels weird because somthing you just slammed had helped them for even just a moment. congratulations you may have just ruined that persons day by putting a cloud back above their head.

Plot twist : Dogs actually help fight depression !!

This brought tears to my eyes

I just got out of the hospital after stay there for over a week because of suicidal thoughts caused by my depression. They played this video I cried like a baby. It’s like someone had hacked into my brain and made a video about this terrible illness. Please remember no matter who you are. You are not alone and there is help out there. Don’t let it wait until you hit rock bottom like I did.

WoW! A mental health specialist gave me this link. It talks about me as a person. I'm 43, totally alone as I push everyone away. I can't work and some days I wonder why I go on. I am incredibly irritated about the most trivial things and find humans the most irritating. I am so sensitive and get hurt easily. I crave love and attention in my life but am so used to being on my own. I know things have to change. What a fantastic video.

Trust yourself... If you really can't fight it, ask some help. Now, we have some therapies that works.

Once you get through depression,you are the strongest person you can become.

I remember watching this video a long time ago. Years ago I believe, when I first began middle school. It was a very tough time for me and it was also the time I was first getting to know mental illnesses, something I never heard of much or focused on. Not only was it a reality for others, but I believed it was starting to become mine. Every night I would cry, but I could get up the next morning and be just fine, it was never anything too serious, but just like everyone I had my issues. However, through the times I was genuinely sad I would think back to this video and it's analogy. This clip really does hold a place in my heart for how true and down to earth it is. I am now in my sophomore year of school and only now I have experienced how it's like to be such in immense pain where it threatens your life, where you struggle to do even the simplest of things. I fell back with my grades, yet still passing, but this quarter has been my worse and I would be failing my classes. I'm constantly up and down with my feelings and I don't understand myself many times, yet during the moments where I pondered suicide I always knew there was a reason why I'm still alive in that moment and I know there's a reason I'm still alive now. Deep down in my heart I know life is beautiful and that we must all find the one solution to hate, love. Your genetics may give you the tendancy to be depressed, your hormones may influence your conditions, but your conditions can also influence your hormones. Love is the asnwer to everything in the end. Search for the people that touch your heart, that will send your soul flying across time and space. In the end, the most beautiful things outrun time. It is never too late to start living. I know this sounds ridiculous coming from a 15 year old but we all have something to learn from everyone. I remember a poster in my guidance counselor's room that read "tough things don't last, tough people do". Take that pain you have and create something beautiful out of it. It's okay to cry. Cry, and then move. Cry about how much you hate your job, cry about how you feel so alone, cry about how he or she left you, cry about how you've been abused and mistreated, cry about terrible everything has been, cry about how alone you feel. Let all of those feelings sink in. Go ahead and listen to your sad music, go ahead and drain your heart and soul into writing that poem about how much you hate your life, then when all those tears have fallen, when you are finally sick of the sadness that compels you, stand up and move on. I know not everyone has the strength to do so, some are in tough situations, but if there's a way in there's a way out. I know it is hard to do things on your own, that is why I am here telling you these things. Life goes on if you do, the Sun and Moon constantly alternate for a reason. After rainstorms there is sunshine, after tornadoes there are clear skies, after all these terrible things people are brought together by struggle. The sadness is not permanent, but only a change in weather. You may not exactly control it but you can forecast these events and withstand it. Keep going and going, there's a reason you're still breathing.

The black dog caused my grades to become really bad, but with the help from all the people in my life, I got the big black dog to leave me alone. He's still there sitting in the corner staring at me sometimes and I know he wants to come back for me, but by ignoring him, he knows to stay away now. My grades are back up again and my life is so great without the black dog

'get help'-they say. But help doesn't exist. Unless you can AFFORD it.

This breaks my heart. I feel so terribly sorry for anyone with depression and I wish that I could help them. :(

Get well soon guys. When you hit rock bottom the only way is back up! And you will get there 🇬🇧

This is actually a pretty good description of my experience with depression except I my black dog kept on telling me the world would be a better place if I was dead and that I deserved to suffer.

I often come back here to help myself get through the day. I don't have many people to talk to, so it's almost as if I'm talking to someone. Not having the support to get through depression is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It's like bring dragged through a line of gasoline, while you're on fire, and the things pulling you are your ambitions to be a good boyfriend, be a good friend. It's to be the best person, so the people around you can't tell that you are suffocating inside. I mean, who wants to be friends with someone who can barely breathe? Who wants the burden to take care of someone who can barely stand on their own two feet? No one owes me this, so I feel asking for it is rather selfish.

All of you who are questioning why the use of the term "black dog" should do a little research. Equating depression with having a black dog dates back to a quote from Winston Churchill. Those of you hung up on the analogy should step back and realize the importance of this video is not the use of the term, it's the effort to combat depression

What really won me over was that pills didn't get a 'cure' status, I think that misunderstanding probably causes plenty of grief on it's own. I've also read a few articles that stated moderate exorcise can be as effective as medication. That's important to get out there, because it's something mostly anyone can do to help themselves beat depression, whether they can afford pills or not. Great stuff.

I had depression, so I got a dog. Helped me greatly

It makes me sad...its so relatable

How can people even dislike this?

It affects many of us, yet today still many people still hide it. Mental illness is as debilitating as anything considered 'physical'. It's time to put the taboos behind us and drop the stigma that's still attached to depression. We owe it to ourselves, and to those we love.

This video made a grown man cry. I've been crying in secret for over 35 years. The stigma for a man my even be that much worse. Easily brought to tears can be a symptom of depression. My objective mind knows that I have not too many reasons to cry. I also had TBI and was in a coma for two days. It is much easier to make that my #1 problem because it is documented and the communication deficits and seizures in he aftermath known. Depression is very serious and has been the biggest problem. TBI is also serious for me. But the latter not the former at least gets me less stigma.

I wanted to come years later to this video to say that it came to me at a point that it helped change my life in coming out of depression. 6 years ago, I was a teenager suffering from depression, and I felt incredibly stuck. There wasn't any awareness about depression around me (and I didn't know what I was suffering was called 'depression'). My family also couldn't afford medications or therapists - we were poor I remember it was a combination of two things - my teacher who told me 'you have potential', and she really meant it. No one ever seemed to believe in me then. And then there was this video. I remember I wanted to know what my symptoms were, and then not too long after looking, I found this video. And I realized I've been suffering depression all this time. I then thought "Maybe if I just keep reading about it there is a way out" - I saw this light of hope even though I was in a very dark place. I kept reading, and one day I told myself "This is it. I am born with this life for a reason and I will not let ANYTHING or ANYONE stop me in living a good life". It was incredibly tough. I remember it was one of the hardest battles and it took months of trying to follow the advice I read on the internet - "smile - just the act of it helps physiologically", "be around people", "distinguish the voice in your head that's depression" and etc. I kept doing it every day, and I didn't give up because I knew that I will not let anything stop me from living that good life I was meant to. After about 1.5 months, I started feeling results. After about 3 months of consciously fighting every single day, I felt that I am starting to come out of it, and even though I was still to suffer anxiety for 2 years after, actively fighting depression starting to come out of it was the hardest part. 6 years later, I live a healthy life and I am still not going to let anything/anyone stop me from living up to my life value, and all these things just made me so much stronger than many people. If you are suffering depression - I know its hard, but believe me, there is hope, and you CAN do it. You are meant to do great things with your life and your life is given to you with a purpose. You are valuable and you are important. Don't let ANYTHING or ANYONE stop you from it. You CAN do it. Read, practice what you read, and don't give up. I genuinely believe in you.

I think I am in love with whoever wrote this video. I don't mean "in love" but in love with how he/she took depression and explained it so beautifully, artistically and truthfully to the world. This is such a beautiful video, and I sincerely thank you.

I resigned because of my black dog in 2003. Like yours, mine liked a drink or two or three, or more. A few years ago I had to phone a friend from a car park, not because I was drunk - but because Id forgotten how to drive. I had forgotten how to be in control & was too scared to try anymore. The same friend told me something someone had told her "it will pass - it wont last forever" - that gave me hope. I still struggle, but my dog is in my lap - not blocking my life. Have hope.

Thank you for this wonderful video. It is the most misunderstood condition. A fellow sufferer who cannot even get out of bed today and sees no reason to keep going anymore.

Watched this years ago when my depression first began. Turns out my black dog was bipolar disorder, among other things. It wasn't easy to tame, and we're still trying to work things out, but now I believe what I heard in this video that I never thought I would: Any black dog can be taught to heal.

"Keeping up an emotional lie is eqausting" You could've not been more precise my man 👏👏👏

I have suffered from depression all my life and this is a very good analogy.

A good video about depression, other than making it seem as though depression is a thing in and of itself, where if I feel I'm getting depressed, the last thing I do is imagine a big black dog taking me down. I see it as a symptom of something else, fix that root cause, and the depression fades.

This is so real 😔

He who increaseth knowledge, increaseth sorrow. For in much pain, is much wisdom.

Did you notice the cloud in the sky in the video. All clouds move even if they look stationary, and even black ones so its good to try to keep looking up.

This video is absolutely inspiring for anyone who suffered through the dark days of depression. Being a former victim of "The Black Dog" I believe watching this video during those days would have made a world of difference. I hope anyone that ever went through and are currently going through depression have an opportunity to watch and share this video. No matter how bad it gets, it always passes provided you take the right steps. Good luck and much love to everyone :)

I think that the most important step is not to admit that you have depression but to acknowledge that there is a way out. I suffered from depression and panic attacks for most of my life until things got very bad and my mom helped me to get professional help, i took so much medication for a bit longer than two years but it really didnt help, i think that the only one who can really help you out of depression is yourself, you have to build yourself up from the ground and it is soo hard, but it does get better. I am proud to say that i have overcome depression, its not like i am all milk and honey now but i have learned to control my emotions and thoughts and take it as it is. There are good days and bad days. To everyone who is struggling with depression right now, don't give up. Burn some bridges, change some paths, even fall down but don't stop walking. It does get better

This is a weid sequal to Clifford the Big Red Dog. Seriously, though. This is a great video, explaining depression in a great and simple way. I should know. I suffered from it for several years.

wow, this ad nails what real depression feels like. This is very well done and so true.

I watched this video maybe a year ago. I remember just sitting there crying throughout the whole thing because of how much I was relating to it. I'm getting a lot better now since I got help from a psychiatrist. I think anyone with a family member or friend who is depressed should watch this so they understand how absolutely DISABLING depression is. It's not something you can put on the back burner and deal with later. It literally pervades every aspect of your life and turns you into this helpless person

What a really strong analogy of depression. A black dog. I now understand my own state of depression better.

My mom says that I'm not have a "black dog", but I feel I have one and I'm so sad about it😞

I had a black dog. He helped me very well to get off of my depression just with his unconditional love and stimulating me to go for a long walk every day! His name was Bobbel and I miss him...

I have a black dog that tries to follow me. But when I see him, I go to the gym and run a 5k (3.1 miles) and then he disappears. Running floods my brain with endorphins, so that I simply cannot be depressed. When you are so depressed and hopeless that you feel like running is the last thing on earth that you could do, then it's a sign of what you must do. Try it.

This explains the whole deal. Thanks for making a video with such an easy metaphor. I guess I can show this video to my dearest friends and it'll easily explain why I'm so... Messed up sometimes.

A simple and concise explanation of what it is like to live with depression. Never easy.

If you want some help... People are there, look around you. And if you are really alone, I'm there.

You can do it. Never give up. Someone is always here for you. I'll be here for you. Keep fighting because you are worth it.

How can 270 people dislike this I'm ashamed of them!

Depression is so real. Unfortunately many of those who are affected by it aren't getting the treatment that they deserve...

😢 i've felt every word

As a coach and therapist myself I just want to say thank you for making such a fantastic video.... I have forwarded this on to so many people I know and have worked with and it has been an awesome help! Many people lives are better because you put the effort into making this video :) So again...THANK YOU :)

I went to a doc before... she showed me this. While I love dogs, we need to see the details -not as a dog, but a representation of how we dealt with depression.

JONGHYUN-AH YOU DID WELL. I HOPE YOU ARE RESTING AND NOT THINKING ABOUT THESE THINGS ANYMORE~

Its posts like these that bring the effects of depression out into the open. Only the affected person can help themselves but through people understanding what depression is really about is the key to helping someone through the worst times. I know, I suffer from depression but my black dog will eventually fade into the background...... I hope

This is a nice video to help people who live with depression and to make everybody understand how does it feel to struggle with this illness. Congratulations!

I have an actual black dog, and she’s the only thing that keeps me going from your analogy.

Every single time I watch this vid I start crying because it hits the point ... every day is difficult and I needed a long time to realize that my black dog will never ever go away... but Im learning to deal with it. Thx for this great vid - it also helped my relatives and friends to understand how I feel sometimes.

Thank you, WHO, for creating this KZfaq. I hope that it is made available in every language. It is so very compassionate, realistic and hopeful.

Im sorry jonghyun... we didnt notice until now... i still miss you really...much

I find it hard to akin depression to a dog when they are such wonderful animals who can help immensely people with depression

One day i was so frustrated and desperate, that i finally talked about my black dog to some people ... and they ignored it, the only time one person cared about it, it made that person worried and sad too, and i felt guilty for it, so i never talked about it again. It's pretty sad to see someone care about you so much that they begin to feel horrible when you tell them that you are feeling horrible. That's how complicated it is.

So incredibly relatable. Currently having the worst time of my life with Depression and Anxiety,feel so alone like it will never get better and i have no purpose in my life anymore. Keep trying to tell myself I can get better and certainly hope I will. This is hopefully a phase that I will get over as I hope all you will guys will aswell. Good luck to you all👍🏻

I use to watch this video when i got my downs and it always helps me in a strange way. Thank you.

I was followed by the black dog for 4 years stripped my soul and everything about myself. I'm now dealing with it and it's hard but it is a process to get better. Every day will get brighter but it's a lie that it will happen over night because it's an effort you have to make. If you put the effort in your winning back the strength it stole from you!

Been with my black dog for 5 years now, back and forth, I always come back to this video. Sometimes I want to leave him behind, but now I learned to live with him and pay attention to him once or twice a week now.

That last sentence... missing out on life. That's the worst part of a depression.

SIMPLY BRILLIANT-- this is the best description of what living with depression is like-- I have MDD (major depressive disorder)-- I shared this video with family, friends and my boyfriend-- it articulates it SO much better than I ever could... BLESS YOU for making this!

such a good slogan at the end - 'the only shame is missing out on life'

Het boek (Black Dog. Leven met een depressie) is al erg mooi. Dit filmpje is een mooie, ontroerende aanvulling. Chapeau!

This video explained a lot. I heard of the term "black dog" from a friend in Australia who lost a family member to the black dog. The video made me well up inside. Prayer, exercise, proper eating habits, counseling and medication will help. We are not alone. Realize the insight and create a new day.

Jonghyun had a black dog tattoo on him 😭😭😭 you did well jonghyun oppa #ripjonghyun STAY STRONG SHAWOLS

I fought for a long time and now i got my black dog on a dog leash. Sometime I have to take him for a walk. But in 90% I chose the direction.

I've watched this video before and needed it again tonight. Thank you Matthew Johnstone for putting it into words.

I wish I could download this video to my phone so I would always have it with me to watch and listen to. It's very powerful.

I've watched this video so far for everyday for about 2 weeks.. The way that it just speaks to me is in-describable. Living and having to deal with a black dog, especially at 15 is really hard. I keep questioning "what is life"? What is the purpose of me even being here? And I have my moments where I'm happy as can be. I feel like I'm just disappointing my whole family and just pushing people away and looking to drugs for help.. this really sucks :(

My sister just showed me this video and it made me feel better watching this video. I think I am going to watch this daily or at least everytime I feel down.

This bought tears in my eyes. Thanks for understanding

I'm sorry Jonghyun. I'm so so sorry.

What a fantastic video - It's so hard to recognise other people feel the same way when you're feeling that low. Tough times this end, but this really helped..

I cry every time I listen to this as it's exactly how I feel

This is really inspiring, an interesting perspective... It's so important for people to watch videos like this because there aren't enough people who truly understand it, making it even harder for those going through it...

Thank you for this little film with a really succinct and powerful message!!