Storytelling - Depression The Dog

In my work, the lines between cultural and evidence-based modalities are blurring and fusing. The work itself feels more dynamic, allowing me to engage in multiple spheres of consciousness and address the relationship between lived and imagined experiences. Both areas are important, as they provide insights into different aspects of life. The story lives in both worlds, playing out chapters, plots, and characters that serve a purpose. Integrating the evidence-based modalities that narrative therapies offer allows for fruitful exchanges between humans and constructs. Narrative therapies help to separate our problems from ourselves, giving voice and form to create understanding between them and defining what relationship could be had. Adding storytelling elements deepens that connection and increases complexity: What roles have these characters assumed? What is their intent? What needs do they satisfy? Conversely, we can explore feelings toward it, our roles concerning it, shared experiences, and the conversations we would have, coming together to address the points of view held in both perspectives. Creating situations where those questions can be addressed leads to a deeper understanding.

An example of this would be:

“A person dealing with depression creates a construct of a black dog. The dog appears during a depressive episode, becoming bigger or smaller depending on the intensity of the moment. How fierce the dog is also depends on the intensity. Therapies would have us explore control over the dog—what would that mean? What would that look like? The construct of the dog gives us a visualization to focus on: living with this dog and what it means.”

Adding story to this dynamic allows for further exploration. How did this dog come into my life? Was it a stray that found me? Was it given to me, and when? What does it need from me? What do I get from it? What’s its personality like? What does it reveal about myself? How do we feel toward each other, and how do we coexist?

These story questions further define the relationship between the person and the construct. Additionally, they speak to the relationship itself and its narrative, through symbolism laced throughout the story. The dog represents the person’s depression. The dog belongs to the person; it's a pet. Being a pet, it must be trained, or else it will cause mayhem in the home. The home signifies safety; a house ravaged by an untrained dog requires more energy—mentally, emotionally, and physically—to maintain. The dog itself has needs: it must be fed, exercised, and comforted. When those needs are not met, the dog is more likely to snap and become aggressive because it's not being tended to. Thus, a depressive episode could be triggered when warning signs are ignored and one enters situations unprepared.

Anyone with a real-life pet can confirm that all planning revolves around their dog. How long can you be out of the house? What’s the necessary time to return so the animal can be walked and relieved? Having a trusted person on hand to assist should you be away too long ensures the needs of the animal are addressed, allowing its owner to breathe without concern weighing on their chest. Otherwise, worrying about the dog while gone is unending. But when the dog represents your depression, it’s always with you. You bring it everywhere, even to places that aren’t pet-friendly.