A DOG CHANGED MY MENTAL HEALTH.

For anyone that has suffered, or continues to suffer depression, you will understand the dark pit that envelopes your every day. It doesn't necessarily mean that you can't do 'life', it's just, it's always there. Lurking, like a bad smell.Although I feel like somewhere towards the middle of 2017, I became quite comfortable with it. Almost like depression was my safety blanket, something I could wrap around me - to allow myself not to feel totally and utterly pathetic, because: depression. If there was a reason then I wasn't a total loser.I'd been so incredibly stressed, buying a house (or trying to) and it wasn't until I was in it, keys in my hand, that I realised what I'd been missing.Rue.It all happened quite quickly. I mean, that to say I had always said that I would get a dog when I had my home, but I didn't expect it to all go swimmingly, especially when this year had tested me beyond belief.But within weeks of deciding I wanted a Corgi pup, there she was, curled up on my lap, in our new world we'd build together.It didn't take me very long to realise how much happier I felt. Waking up each morning knowing I had to get up, that someone, even if it was a little puppy, needed me, made me feel tremendously determined.I would look after her, and she'd love me for it.I've struggled with self-worth for as long as I can remember, I think we all do, don't we? And I can honestly say, this is the first time I've felt like I am important. I feel proud of myself, I feel happiness every day and I'm overwhelmed with love for her.Perhaps it will be temporary, or perhaps it won't.All I know is that even if this feeling only lasts another day, I'll owe Rue all the gratitude I can muster, for the rest of forever. Because she has lifted a fog, she has shown me responsibility, she has shown me how to care and to love.And how amazing, that she doesn't even know it.Photography by Alexandra Cameron