[notliketherest]

Depression was a major part of Winston Churchill's life, and he used the phrase ‘Black Dog’ as a euphemism when talking to family and friends. Sometimes when I feel the negative emotions come to me (every few weeks / months), I think about that and I think about just walking alongside the black dog. It helps to remember that.

[thesagan]

Same for me, I try not to fear my black dog, my good 'ol friend. Instead I try and take it as a sign that I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective.

My life, and most other peoples' lives, have seasons, and those seasons can add meaning in very strange ways that are difficult to replicate without enduring a dark storm every now and then. (Sorry for the metaphors, I'm not a great writer.)

[Neeek]

> I might have some growing to do, or some grieving to finish, or that some change is needed and that I should start thinking of possibilities for that. I become introspective.

This really resonated with me, going through it right now and I've always had difficulty expressing it adequately to the people around me when they ask.

[ada1981]

Often, depression is actually an avoidance of the underlying emotions -- very often anger. Unexpressed anger goes inward and is directed toward the self, which becomes experienced as depression.

[artifaxx]

Where did you read this? I am sure I am not the only one here who would love to read more to get a better idea.

[xvedejas]

Is this an accepted psychiatric phenomenon, or just some Freudian bullshit?

[jschwartzi]

Insofar as a therapist with a psychology degree has said OP's words to me, it's accepted by some professionals.

[kough]

> implying there's a difference