Book Review: The Black Dog Books
Author and illustrator, Matthew Johnstone.
About the Author
Matthew Johnstone is a highly regarded artist, writer and exhibited photographer. New Zealand born, he's worked in advertising in Sydney, San Francisco and New York.
Six months after Matthew Johnstone witnessed the horror of 9/11 (he was working for a New York ad-agency at the time) he returned to his empty offices and in 4 hours he sketched out the first draft of I had a black dog, about his 20-year experiences of depression. The cartoon-like drawings about a man and his black Labrador (depression), he says, "fell out of me like a boulder".
For Matthew, raised in a Christchurch farming family, depression appeared in his early 20's "it was like a set of waves. When the first waves came in they were quite small and they were a little bit disruptive and then they'd go out and then nothing would happen for a while. Then as I got older the waves got bigger and the space between them got smaller".
Matthew resides in Sydney with his wife, Ainsley and their two daughters.
You can read more about Matthew on his blogspot.
Read an interview with Mathew by NSW Reach Out! Youth Ambassador Danielle Stapleton.
Read an interview with Mathew by Catherine O'Brien, (London Times, 2007).
About the books
Matthew and Ainsley Johnstone have published two books about Matthew's experience of depression. The first was a finalist in the 2006 Montana Book Awards.
Cover of Matthew's first book.
I had a black dog, written and illustrated by Matthew Johnstone (Pan Macmillan Australia, 2005)
(Repackaged for the US market as: Living with a black dog: his name is depression, written and illustrated by Mathew Johnstone and published by Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2006)I had a black dog is perhaps the most useful book ever created about depression. In simple text and strongly supportive illustrations, this slim volume examines, explains, and demystifies one of the most widespread and debilitating problems afflicting modern society. The book shows the strength and support to be found within and around us to tame this shaggy beast and ultimately bring it to heel.
Johnstone's book doesn't pretend to have all the answers. It doesn't resort to simple 'dog tricks' for dealing with depression. But it does deliver understanding, hope, and the assurance that Black Dog days are not forever. (Amazon)
Cover of Matthew's most recent book.
Living with a black dog: how to take care of someone with depression while looking after yourself, written by Matthew and Ainsley Johnstone and illustrated by Matthew Johnstone (Pan MacMillan Australia, 2008)
This second book from Matthew Johnstone, author of I had a black dog, is an equally touching and beautifully illustrated book, written for those who care for those with depression. This must-have guide for partners, family, friends and colleagues of depression sufferers, includes practical advice about recognising the symptoms of depression in a loved one, living with a depressed person, and helping them to tame their Black Dog.
Using wonderful illustrations, Matthew and his wife Ainsley offer a moving, inspirational and often humorous portrait of life with depression. In a simple and clever way, the book offers valuable insights about helpful approaches to living with depression and the importance of self-care for the carer.
It offers tips, such as: 'Socks have little do with mental health. If people could just 'snap out of it' they would'; and, 'Encourage any form of regular exercise. Fitness robs the dog of its power' (Amazon).
A sneak peek at the illustrations and text from Matthew's second book.
The book is divided into the following sections and sub sections:
1. Things you may have noticed - warning signs
- Lack of energy and vitality
- Social withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of suicide
2. What not to say or do
- "Snap out of it"
- "Cheer up"
- There are others worse off
3. Good things to say and do
- Listen, don't judge
- Encourage professional help
- Encourage exercise "fitness robs the Dog of its power"
- Arrange good social support
- Reduce stress
4. Embracing the black dog
- Learn about depression and learn how to manage it
- Reassure your kids
- Carer's need help too
5. Self-preservation for the caregiver
- "It's the depression barking, not the person you care for"
- Relaxation strategies
- Get support
To find out more, read Linley Boniface's article ‘Old dog, new tricks' about the books in the NZ Listener (April 2008).
What do the reviews say?
I had a black dog, by Matthew Johnstone: An illuminating insight into depression. Reviewed by Sally Murphy (see below).
There are many different breeds of Black Dog affecting millions of people from all walks of life. The Black Dog is an equal opportunity mongrel.
Since Winston Churchill coined the phrase 'Black Dog' to describe his own struggle with depression, the term has been a popular metaphor for the affliction. Clinical depression affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men during their lifetime. It affected author Matthew Johnstone and inspired him to write a book about it.
This is no ordinary book. Johnstone uses a format more familiar to readers of comic books or picture books, with large, cartoon-style illustrations and limited text.
However, the tone is not light, as Johnstone explores the effects of depression and the ways it can be overcome. Throughout the book depression is characterised as a black dog, which appears in every picture impacting on the male character.
When Johnstone talks about depression impacting on his relationships, taking my love and burying my intimacy, the black dog is there, in the middle of the bed between the character and his wife. When the character sits at a bar, drinking, the black dog is there perched on the next stool. Even when the character brings depression under control, the black dog is still there - but kept firmly on a leash.
This book will speak to all those who have been affected by depression - either first-hand, or through knowing a sufferer. Its appeal is in it simplicity - it is a quick read, but deeply effective.
A wonderful addition to library, health service offices and, of course, home collections.
