The Black Dog of Depression 17th May 2023

Mental Health Week comes and goes each year with no real benchmark for me. That has changed since the Fellowship of Faith meeting on 17th of May 2023. The book "I Had a Black Dog" was a tool I used when in full battle with my own depression. First to help me understand myself, when my perceptions are marred by my depression. Second when I wasn't in a good place to communicate what is going on inside my head, it spoke for me.

As with all Fellowship of Faith meetings it started with a bring and share supper with tea and coffee provided. After 30'ish minutes of fellowship ( eating & talking) we opened with a prayer giving thanks to God. Ally began by reading the book "I Had a Black Dog" out to the group of about 30.

Afterward we embraced the silence and paused to reflect of what we had heard. As this topic resonated around the table, stories of experiences were shared. One of the most impactful stories came from a 10 year old young man. He explained how mood disorders and depression have been present in family members, and what it is like living with this Black Dog. The sharing continued, there was a real presents of the Holy Spirit working and healing in this group.

We closed rejoicing in Ephesians 3.14-21 "being rooted and grounded in love." James closed with a heart felt prayer, and the fellowship continued. I will never forget how everyone at this group made me feel, Connected to a caring community.

Blog written by Simon G