Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year the WHO is ackowledging the 'black dog,' depression in all its forms. it was Winston Churchill I beieve who coined the term to describe his won struggle with depression. I know that dog quite well, generally not to the point of complete catatonia, but close sometimes. I can trace its appearing at times to certain events in my world, but generally it seems to make appearances bidden only by what is occurring in my unconscious.
There was a sort of cult of melancholy in England in the 17th century, and the disease has been claimed as a mark of the English. The outbreak of 17th century melancholy was attributed to the religious uncertainty caused by the Reformation? It produced some beautiful music and literature...and continues to do so I believe.
So happy black dog day--going back in my hole now!