Show notes
This short animation, produced by the World Health Organization, follows one person through years of living with depression, which he calls his “black dog”. It shows how depression can affect sleep, work, relationships and self-worth, and how hard it can be to talk about.
Why we recommend it
It is one of the clearest, kindest explanations of depression we know of, and it ends on hope: with the right support, most people recover. It is a good starting point to share with someone who is struggling, or with family who want to understand.
What helps
- Talking to someone you trust, and to a health worker
- Evidence-based talking therapies and, where needed, medication
- Regular sleep, movement and routine
- Being patient with yourself while you recover
If you are worried about yourself or someone close to you, see Get support for services near you.