Dad's Weird Frown: Explaining Mental Illness To Children

The Black Dog metaphor for Depression is widely recognised. However, mental illness disorders of Anxiety and Depression commonly coexist, so the author calls the Anxiety-Depression combination the Grey-Black Dog.

Dad's Weird Frown is a Pebble from Pebble Collections and is written as a letter direct from the author, as if she is speaking personally to the reader or listener. Ruth uses descriptive language, and common behaviours observed in a sufferer of Anxiety-Depression, to explain the symptoms and complexities of mental health struggles. Her letter can also be used as a guide to encourage candid conversations, for anyone who desires to approach this difficult subject with another.

Ruth explains why a parent may sleep a lot, or seem sad, why a mother for example, cries from their dad being grumpy (Domestic Violence) and describes what the suffering parent may be feeling during these behaviours.

Dad's Weird Frown is also a resource for professionals working in community, education, and healthcare sectors.