Dad's Weird Frown: Explaining Mental Illness To Children

Ruth has authored and illustrated Dad's Weird Frown as a letter, drawn from her personal experience of supporting a loved one with mental health struggles. Written as an aid to empower others to approach, explain and understand, the symptoms and complexities of Anxiety and or Depression.

The Black Dog metaphor for Depression is widely recognised. However, mental illness disorders of Anxiety and Depression commonly coexist, so Ruth likes to call the Anxiety-Depression combination the Grey-Black Dog. She explains what happens when the Grey-Black Dog enters the mind, by providing examples of common behaviours that result, gently covers Domestic Violence, describes some of the effects the sufferer may be feeling, and then offers hope at the end.

Dad's Weird Frown is also a resource for professionals working in the community, education, and healthcare sectors. Also ENDORSED by Clinical Counsellor Mike Skewes (ARCAP PACFA ADHD-CCSP)

"I have found Dad's Weird Frown to be experientially accurate, thoughtfully moving, and encouragingly insightful."