If you didn't have these obstacles, and you didn't experience your past with addiction, you would never be where you are right now. I'm not saying that it was worth it, but I do think it has made you the person you are today, and that person can look in the mirror and say: I'm proud of who I am and what I've done today. Thank you for sharing, I have so much respect for you. All the dogs in the world say: Go Niall, we love you🥰

Niall, my story is just a hair's breadth away from being identical to yours. I am 76, sober 42 years, and still suffer from depression. I also have experienced depression and anxiety all my life. I employ some of the same remedies as you. My health has been compromised in the last few years, and now all I want to do is stay in bed. Old age is not easy and for a glass-half-empty kind of person as I am, it can be isolating and feel meaningless. Your video today was the first time in a long, long time that I felt connected to someone. Those who do not suffer from depression, alcoholism, and/or old age don't always understand. So you are doing a lot more than helping the dogs, my friend. God bless you. Thank you❣️

Niall, I love how you address mental health. It teaches us how important self care is ❤

That was not “ rabbiting on”. That was full of authentic information from a person ( you Niall❤) whose lived reality and experiences give you authentic insight and knowledge of depression, anxiety and all that goes with it. I found your video very engaging and interesting. I love how humble you are. Thanks for sharing and all you do with the dogs you and your team work with. ❤❤

Thanks for sharing. I also suffer from depression, my dog is my reason to keep going, as she also needs her walks for her arthritis and she needs me as much as I need her. Animals are good for the soul.

Niall, I and my sister have been long time Animal Rights. We turned Vegetarians when we were 14 years old, we are now 65. We have never eaten animal products, period. In our teens, 20, 30, 40 and 50s being a vegetarian allowed us to lose weight and excelled in fitness and that is the one true thing I am most Thankful. When animal neglect and cruelty news get overwhelmingly sad I turn to your channel and get instantly revived. Your warm words and happy doggos create Hope. I have been contributing to animal group and will continue. All my animals are rescues from the birds, chickens, horses, cats, and dogs. Your wisdom is contagious and I appreciate all that you do.

The BEST "medicine" for our health - be it physical, mental, emotional - helping animals - street dogs!! They love you UNconditionally like NO human can EVER do!!!

You’ll never ever realise how many people you’re helping by opening yourself up and discussing these issues openly. Thank you Niall!❤

BRAVO!!!! You're a true gem and you enjoy your coke, chocolate and fried chicken! Thank you for your honesty.

Thank you for being so honest and open Niall. It will truly help others who suffer from this lousy disease. I lost my beautiful husband to depression and suicide because he couldn’t be open about his sufferings, even to the people who loved and adored him. Keep talking about it. You never know who will be listening and find your words saving a life. ❤

Thanks Niall for sharing your story and promoting mental health. I lost my brother 13 years ago to suicide and my cousin 2years later and the more awareness and support of mental illness is still greatly needed. Mind yourself x

Thank you Niall, you're a legend. Helping doggos and angsty humans alike.

Niall... I cannot thank you enough for sharing your mental health issues. I lost the love of my life this year to alcohol addiction... and struggle myself w anxiety and panic attacks. Taking the stigma away is so much a part of acknowledging and healing and knowing you're not alone in your struggles. Finding coping mechanisms is part of the healing process (continuing cuz I'm not sure it ever does go way - especially if you're sensitive to the suffering in the world). Knowing there are ways to manage and hearing them from someone who's been there and on the constant path is so encouraging. Your work and the doggos are a part of my well being. I'm so grateful for you.

Thank you for your candor Niall. In today's world of pretense, it's even more vital to address these issues, instead of pretending we are all fine, so the more that speak out the better. Rather than weakness, it is actually a sign of strength. Keep giving yourself grace. I'm glad you have your toolkit to help you cope, especially your special lunch treat! And please don't apologise - you are using this platform in a positive way that will definitely help a lot of people, coupled with your wonderful dedication to the care of the dogs❤

Thank you for being so open minded and willing to discuss it with us. I to have first hand knowledge of depression. Mine is compounded by a chronic illness that I’ve had nearly 40 years. Knowing one is not alone in the struggle is comforting. Yes! When a panic attack is looming just waiting to knock you flat on your back. If possible find peace. The fact that you work with animals is so therapeutic. Isn’t it the grandest thing knowing that while you are helping dogs that need you, you are being healed too. Bless you, continue to take care of yourself and keep up with your videos. We love them ❤❤🇨🇦

Love this Niall I’m 72 yrs young and have battled this for most of my adult life so glad you are letting a younger generation know the healthier way to battle this demon.Lots of love Viv xxxxx

Not only are you helping those beautiful dogs you are helping anybody with depression and anxiety.Thankyou Niall you are one in a million.

We need thousands of people like you. Please take care of yourself. God bless you more!❤🙏🏼

Thank you Niall. You are an inspiration!

Chance is loving every touch, she is so happy to found love; Hank is your best companion. Thank you for opening up and using your coverage to adress this. You are very special and maybe your life brought you there for a reason. Ordinary hero for me. Love ya.

Niall, you are such an inspiration and a bright light in this world. Many blessings surround you.

Thank you for the candid discussion, Niall! ❤🙏 People often think they're alone in the battle, but informal, heartfelt chats like this are very helpful! There is a name for that down in the dumps feeling people get from living without sunshine, and it's called Seasonal Affective Disorder. I think you've got a really good balance going in your life because you're doing so many things right, yet still enjoying the things that you love, like a bottle of Coke and a delicious meal! 🍛😀 You do so much to help dogs 🐕 🐕🐕 and now now you're helping people, too! 💛💚💙 That's a really virtuous thing to do! Thank you! 💖

Niall, thank you for spreading awareness about living with depression. As you said, it might never go away, but you learn to live with it and deal with it the best way you can. You are an inspiration and a bright light in this world, I hope you know that. We are always rooting for you and the dogs, and sending love especially on the harder days. Thank you again for all that you do 🙏🏼💕😊 we love you as you are and wish you the best, always!!

This was so kind and generous of you to discuss your own journey with depression & anxiety. We are just beginning to understand the delicate dance of chemicals the brain needs to stay stable and happy. Someday in the future I hope we’ll be able to have a simple blood test to show what our brain needs more of. You’re an inspiration with all the environmental, physical and behavioral aspects you’ve included in your wellness journey. It’s one day at time, improvement not perfection, and you’re a shining, loving example of this. Blessing to you and all the pups at Happy Doggo Land! 🙏🏻🐶❤️

Thank you. It is everywhere. Take care of yourself first 💕💕💕

Niall, it’s amazing how hard you work to make this world a better place. This video is just another example of your desire to help others with your experience. Never doubt how many people appreciate you and all that you do!💜

Happy Niall ! = Happy Dogs 💚

Bless you for sharing your struggles, it's proof that someone may look good,but you never know what's going on inside .. wishing you well with everything you do x

After I quit alcool (12 yrs ago) I quit eating animal products and that helped also. I work out every day also. Really helps. 💪🏻

Niall, I had a life-threatening brain virus 20 years ago and have dealt with anxiety/depression ever since. While I do take meds - including Lexapro - that help, this is what I have figured out: You have to have a purpose that drives you every day. You, my friend, have as big a purpose as anyone I have ever seen. I know you have a lot to handle, but please think about delegating and how you can have less on your plate than fried chicken. Thank you so much for all you do.

Niall I wanna thank you not only for helping the fur babies but for also helping us not only with this personal but with also the way you inspire us to do better in helping the doggies in turn helping ourselves. Ty❤🙏❤️

Thank you for sharing your story so candidly, you are an incredible person in this world.

Niall, this video is awesome and I enjoyed every second! It’s so cool to be able to learn more behind the scenes about you & your life as it’s usually about the dogs of course! I commend you for your integrity, commitment and endless efforts of seeking wellness so that you can show up for yourself and the dogs. This is going to inspire so many people to take better care of them selves, including me! Being proactive is a practice & really so important! We love and appreciate you infinitely!🐾🙏🏼🌀

💕🐾 Thank you for sharing Niall. Being 20ish years clean and sober from drug and alcohol addiction AND having overcome YEARS of debilitating depression I 💯 % relate and agree with what you've shared. I am fortunate to no longer require anti depressants, but they were a game changer for many years. My version of self care is my #1 priority and incorporates many of your suggestions. Blessings and best wishes for your continued good mental and physical good health. 💕🐾

thank you, that really helped me.

Thank you for all you do to help those poor animals.

You deserve your treats,you are one hell of a guy & l admire you so much for all you do Thank you for your honesty.❤

Thankyou for sharing this with us Niall 😊I’ve been where you are and I now help dogs in a animal shelter for 3 years now ❤it’s saved me 👏✨🐾

Bless u Niall for All u are and Do ❤️🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🐾🐾🙏🏻🎁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Looking after my rescue dogs keeps my depression at bay take care niall so much depends on you jeeping well

Thank you, thank you, thank you

I’ve been in recovery for 5 years, spent over a decade of my life struggling with addiction and alcoholism. I appreciate this so much. I’ve struggled with depression my whole life, and with anxiety for most of it. So many people don’t understand these issues, or realize how widespread they’ve become. We don’t talk about mental health nearly enough, but openly acknowledging the problem is the only way we can start to turn the tide on it. So thank you for being honest and open about your struggle. Too many people are shamed into silence- and mental illness thrives in darkness and isolation. On a side note, my rescue dog saved my life. She arrived the day I returned home from rehab. She was 3-4 months old, and hadn’t really been socialized with humans. She had no interest in attention or affection if it came from a human (although she loved other dogs, and had been well socialized there). She was incredibly mistrustful, and deeply unhappy- and honestly, I could relate to that. It took me months to start gaining her trust. It took her the better part of a year to even let her guard down around me. Now, years later, we have an unbelievably close bond. In early recovery, I often couldn’t do it for myself, or even for the people I loved. So I did it for her. She saved my life, and I saved hers. Anyway, sorry this got so long. This is a subject that I’m passionate about- clearly, lol- and I wanted to share my thoughts. Thank you for continuing to put yourself out in the world in this way. People like you are very much needed, and very much appreciated.

Bless you for opening up You’re an amazing and inspirational person and the dogs and all of us r so lucky to have you

Gracias infinitas, eres un ángel Que el universo te bendiga siempre. Mis mejores deseos de felicidad 💓

I hope also that you remember that millions of us hold you in our hearts. We watch you, seeing a man who is brave, both for walking away from a life that was destroying your soul and walking toward a life with heart, compassion, and integrity. And a lot of hard work and loss. Thank you for letting us into your life. Know that we have your back.

I left my alcoholic abusive husband 20 years ago got myself a puppy who grew to 105 pounds of fun and love and showed me why God made dogs. Losing him was horrific but he lived a long time and my new 100 pound friend keeps me going! In Alanon I learned to let go and let God take my hand one day ar a time and give me a dog who lives one day at a time. What you do is marvelous. Humans suffer fear and lonliness and disappointment dogs teach us each moment is precious. Hope to volunteer with you one day. Hang in there you are doing great. Such an inspiration to so many. My family is from the British Isles so I get the weather and alcohol culture. Sunshine is the best cure. Save me some Thai fried chicken and Thai Ice Tea. Bless you on all you do! And all who work with you!❤❤ ❤❤❤❤

thank you so much for this niall.

Great respect for what you have overcome and accomplished. 👍😊

Bless you Niall. You are a light in the darkness.

Seasonal depression is a widespread issue in many parts of the world!! I will definitely make the change away from the pacific northwest (Canada) I have a number of rescued animals that couldn't cross the border so once they have passed on to a better place I'll start up agsin hping animals in a better climate for me.

Excellent video! Life is hard for so many for lots of reasons! Thanks for sharing.

Mange tak og knus fra København. 😊❤❤

I know my depression and anxiety kicks my ass some days and I never want to tell anyone how I feel, so thank you for sharing with us. What you and the team do is amazing work ❤

Thank you Niall for sharing your depression journey. I've had Depression all my life. I'm 74. Getting off sugar and high carbs (junk food) ( alcohol turns into sugar) and really eating a healthy diet has helped me so much in the last couple years

Thanks for the transparency. I have been suffering from this for the last 5 years. There is hope. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Niall thank you for being so open and honest about your mental health issues. I would listen to you “rabbiting on” any time! 😁 people suffering with their mental health is so prevalent at the moment and I’m sure your honesty and frankness will really help a lot of people. Thank you for this and take good care of yourself, you are a very special person ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you so much for sharing Neil ! We all have to keep normalizing speaking about our mental health because it is a HUGE issue. ❤

We love you and your rescues! There is a reason why you had this chance because animals need you. God bless you Niall!, your team, all the people who helps you and all your rescues.

The best thing to do to combat anxiety grief depression etc. is to do something for someone else ❤❤❤ helping others is the best medicine 💊

Thanks for this Niall ..I bought your book Hope last year and its the most truthful book I've read about addiction and depression .. Keep the faith xxxxx❤

Thank you Niall for being so authentic and honest. Your story helps so many. You’re an inspiration and an absolute gem of a human! ❤

Thank you ♥️ for all what you shared today.

Thank you for always being honest and normalizing mental health issues. I am also now stealing the term “rabbiting on”. You deserve the triple CCC meal with all your hard work. Enjoy!

Ahh, seasonal affective disorder ! I struggle with that in Ohio, USA in the winter. Endless weeks of cold cloudy weather are dreadful times. My animals keep me busy, get me outside and keep me moving. I wish you well. You are not alone with the struggle.

You are truly a lovely, genuine kind and caring soul!! X

Your heart and ability to share your truth are truly captivating. Thank you for being YOU, Niall.

Hank is Sooo Home. You can see the change in him, he looks super relaxed now he’s found his 💯 Forever Home with you Niall.. He’s super chilled out now and when he gets playful he’s a total goofball.. we all love him lots and lots.. 🐶❤️

Thanks for sharing, don’t stop doing what you do, and look after you, if you don’t you won’t be able to look after the dogs

Cant imagine how hard it must be to see many of this animals in need ❤thank you for your work❤

Thank you, Niall. For the work u do, for the joy u bring to the world, for hope. U are a true inspiration

Niall, i feel the world is grateful for your turnaround the animals saved you, and your saving them. Eating healthy, exercise, taking your meds, and supplements, yoga, medication all play an important roll, its inspiring to here your rawness from you, as its also theraputic for you to speak. Thank you bless you.

❤ Chance beautiful sweet affectionate dog💕🙏🙏Thank you💙🙏 for Rescuing this sweet Deserving 🐶🙏

You are awesome, very special human being. I hope you all the best.

Thank you for sharing...sounds like the dogs saved YOUR life ❤ Bless you all!

Niall, thank you for sharing, and your coping mechanisms 🩵🥰 I suffer with depression I’ve had a few strokes and other medical problems and I’m now medically retired and not very mobile. I’m not afraid to talk about it most of the time, but some weeks I go into myself and don’t want to see or talk to anyone. No word of a lie, my street rescue dog, Rufus, is my soulmate and confidante. My daily therapy is Happy Doggo and watching you and Lana and all the Dogs 🩵🩵

Big love to you Niall! Thank you for sharing your personal journey and thoughts! ❤

Thankyou for sharing your raw and vulnerable self with us. It helps ppl like myself who have struggled with depression for our whole lives ❤

sono d'accordo con quello che dici l'ho provato sulla mia pelle ed è una continua lotta contro la depressione, MA IL SOLE E LA VITA CHE FAI TU è SICURAMENTE UNA BUONA CURA.. Gio da Roma ITALIA

Dearest Niall, please do never never apologize for making long videos for us. It's such a gift 🙏YOU are such a gift!! I love so much hearing what YOU have to say and I really love you so much for everything you are and do. I suffer from depression over 40 years and nothing is working. The only thing that helps me, is to be with animals but it is really difficult to realize. I have no help. I really know what this means and I'm so so happy that you have many good days and that Sybille could help you!! Please always take the best care of yourself. You deserve the very best. If there is one human on earth I' d love to meet in person, than it is YOU! We can never thank you enough for everything you are doing for the dogs! BIG LOVE from Cologne and God bless you always ❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

I was a Psych/Mental Health nurse for over 20 years. I cared for people with all levels of depression and anxiety. Back in the day, patients would often be hospitalized for over two weeks. It would take that long for the medications to reach a therapeutic level. Many of those with severe depression would not want to get out of bed -no energy or desire to get up or shower, get dressed, participate in activities, etc. They often expressed not having any hope that things could be better. Many times family members didn’t understand that their loved one couldn’t just pull themselves up by their bootstraps, etc. There was a bit of a breakthrough when research showed there is a biochemical imbalance component to depression/anxiety. I think it’s brave of you to share your journey and ways you have found to be helpful. I hope that maybe your story might reach someone who needs to hear it. Thanks for all you do; especially for the dogs. PS I think training for Brittney with agility course is brilliant

Thank you Niall. I'm sure some of these tips will resonate and help so many people. ❤

This is very true & very raw , you're inspirational Niall ❤❤❤

Sometimes it´s not about taking all the enjoyable things away (vices as you call them) but to add a bit of good things on top to even it out - add more water and vegetables and you are good to go 😉 I am happy for you that you found ways to deal with the depression and anxiety, it´s so awful.

Cheers Niall! Thanks always for your honesty. You really do make a difference 🙏❤️🐾

I can relate completely as I have the same panic attacks and no matter how many times, you still convince yourself you're gonna die of a heart attack. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Great video. Lovely dogs.

Hey Niall, you probably won’t see this but I’d like to add a couple of ideas for your toolkit. First is a brilliant book called ‘The Inside Out Revolution’ by Michael Neill, based on something called the Three Principles and it’s literally life changing. I’m a therapist and it changed how I live and work! The other thing is looking at gut health and taking a really good quality probiotic so that when you consume the sugar and fried food your gut is more balanced to be able to deal with it. About 90% of serotonin and 50% of dopamine is produced in the gut so focussing on a healthy gut will really enhance all the great things you’re already doing. You’re an outstanding, wonderful human/earth angel and it’s often the ones who care most that suffer most. Sending big love xx

Beautiful video Niall. Thank you for sharing ❤

What a brilliant video Niall. Thank you so much for sharing and for your honesty. Sending lots of love Prince George of Fluffington (George for short!) and Mom ❤️🐕🐾🐾🙂

Thank you for sharing and giving others with depression some hope. You are a great example/ role model! Great to talk about it and remove the stigma!!

Thank you.

Thanks for the share Niall! As always, you’re a blessing!

Ur a inspiration In my tool kit I go for a walk if I have anxiety in nature I am lucky enough to live by the sea and countryside which calms me. I meditate when I can , if I am having a slight panic I also do 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique. It leverages the power of your five senses-sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste-to redirect your attention away from distressing thoughts and emotions. By focusing on sensory experiences, the method aims to ground you in the here and now.

What a great insight into your mental health struggles. My niece suffered from mental health issues and took her own life aged 32 leaving 2 small kids behind. At least you have the tools to deal with it and fried chicken and chocolate are good for the soul ❤❤

Thank you for this video

This is great how you explain this in terms everyone can understand. I love your supplements. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. ❤🤗

UP UP UP......................👍👍👍

🇬🇧 What a great video Niall. You're not only helping the doggo's, you're helping humans too. ❤😍🐾🐶🐕

You are so wonderful and so genuine! Thank you for your insight! And thank you for all the love you give to the dogs! Keep up the great work!

Thank you for bringing awareness to this. I suffer from depression and hide it if I leave the house, I also have times that I am so tired that I feel exhausted thinking about hiding the depression. I often think of death as the release, and that gives me hope, it won’t last forever. Now, people are extremely alarmed by me saying this. lol but I’m not suicidal, just hoping things will improve in the next 60 years. lol when my soul is free from my prison of this body! Until then I’ll help people, like I do, and know it’s not forever. I work in eldercare, so death is just a natural part of life to me. It’s not the scary topic that everyone views it as, at least to me.