Shooting the Black Dog

David Eastham was in his late 20s with a high-flying career on local council when he experienced a mental breakdown. At the time, this was a bolt out of the blue - Dave had been a strong achiever in all areas of his personal and professional life: things were on the up and up. In retrospect, however, David can identify the red flags that indicated his mental health was deteriorating.In relatable, easy-going prose, Dave provides an open, personal account of his mental breakdown while...
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David Eastham was in his late 20s with a high-flying career on local council when he experienced a mental breakdown. At the time, this was a bolt out of the blue - Dave had been a strong achiever in all areas of his personal and professional life: things were on the up and up. In retrospect, however, David can identify the red flags that indicated his mental health was deteriorating.In relatable, easy-going prose, Dave provides an open, personal account of his mental breakdown while detailing his road to recovery. While Dave sought professional psychological treatment through medication and therapy, he credits wildlife photography as a therapeutic hobby that strengthened his wellbeing. In Shooting the Black Dog: How the Art of Photography Can Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing, David shares with readers practical photography exercises that helped him regain his sense of self and good health.In this book, David aims to break down the stigma around mental health issues by speaking openly about his own experiences. Having benefited from photography as a therapeutic tool, he sets out to equip readers with practical and accessible knowledge to help them take charge of their wellbeing through photography as a creative outlet.