Churchill often spoke of the ‘black dog’. As a 55-year old Conservative Party politician, he wasn’t afraid to voice his views.
Churchill was quoted saying to party guests – “I have taken more out of alcohol than it has taken out of me”.
When Hitler tore up the Munich Agreement in 1940, Churchill said to a full house of Parliament: ‘You were given the choice between war and dishonour, you have chosen war’.
Churchill’s personal commitments to seeing Britain through the atrocities of Nazi Germany were his testimony.
Churchill was right. War came. And it was the beginning of his spiral into depression.
He was quoted, lying in bed, unable to wake up from it and taking messages from his aide at his bedside, referring to his junior’s psychologist, saying, ‘I think this man might be useful to me, if this black dog returns. He seems quite away from me now, it is such a relief. All the colours come back into the picture.’.
Faced with the daunting task of leading Allied forces to the successful conclusion of the second World War, Churchill’s renaissance, the beginning of the 20th century and the freedom of the Western world, most of us would struggle to blame Churchill for his indiscretion, his dubious nature with alcohol, his sharp words and honest nature.
The truth is the burden of man has been blessed onto each and every person alive today.
Everyday, a black dog follows us around, not so much barking and biting – but a reminder in the background of our shortcomings, failures, regrets and past.
It crawls around the fences we put up and appears in our brightest moments, making us feel like we don’t deserve what we deserve, or that our successes were a product of chance rather than blessing.
The truth is, the black dog needn’t be fought – it can be tamed.
For a long time I myself was leashed to it, it followed me and reminded me of my inferior nature to society.
Until I started to talk to it.
Talking to it isn’t easy, it requires a level of honesty and sobriety of thought.
Most would call this facing your fears, but it’s not the same as a gung-ho challenge to do what you couldn’t.
It’s a passive talk, a calm talk, a personal conversation with the dog to let it know, it’s time to sit, stay, and lie down.
The black dog isn’t to be tethered or leashed easily – he escapes and pursues us like a loyal servant, and often breathes into our lives in areas like our work and relationships.
Time alone with it is important if you want to distinguish your reality from the depression that it brings.
An admission of who we are in the present moment, an unashamed testimony of our positions, seeking honest help, renders the dog powerless and tame.
The black dog isn’t undefeatable. Groups like churches, societal franchises, friends, family members and more are still available and are probably waiting to hear from you more than you know.
Bravery is relinquishing the past in favour of the future of you, your family and friends.
* South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) – 0800 567 567.
* Jullo Treatment Centre – 031 462 7026.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
WhatsApp Broadcast Service: Add The Courier to WhatsApp at 082 792 9405 and WhatsApp your name and surname to be added.
