Can Pets ease Depression? Posted: 02-18-08 06:35am
I used to suffer
from periodic bouts of depression, some so
severe that I did contemplate suicide. I
saw the effects of anti depressants on
some of my acquaintances and decided not
to go down that road.
Then I watched a TV program concerning the
use of dogs in helping problem children to
relax. It was stated that certain breeds
of dogs were chosen to visit because of
their calming characters. Labradors were
cited as being the most beneficial.
That got me to thinking that perhaps if I
bought a breed of dog that had a
fun-loving outgoing character it would
help me with my depression. So I did a lot
of research and I came up with what I
thought would be a likely candidate - A
West Highland White Terrier (Westie)
Well to cut a long story short, since
buying my Westie my life has turned around
completely. They are so full of life,
friendly and just a joy to be with. I
still get depressive feelings but they
soon disappear when I take a look at my
Westie.
Does anyone have similar experiences?
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PenguinsRus
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Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 1228 Location: New York, NY United States
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Posted: 02-18-08 13:30pm
I have a cat and a chinchilla, and I must
say that they bring great joy to my life.
They were the perfect animals to help me
along (for me dogs would have been too
high maintenance and just stressed me out)
and I felt loved when the kitty curled up
in my lap and the chinchilla is just so
much fun to watch.
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CarolDiane
Supporter
Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 2401
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Yes Indeed Posted: 02-18-08 15:32pm
Yes! Pets are a wonderful help. My mini
beagle has helped me so much when I crash,
I can't tell you how much. Somehow they
have a soothing remedy. My dog is so loved
and she knows it. She is 1 1/2 years old
and a doll baby. She has comforted me at
times I thought I really did'nt want to
live anymore. Amimals are and always will
be a wonderfu and excelent theropy for
depression as far a I am concerned.
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Lion79
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 311 Location: Sunderland, UK
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Posted: 02-18-08 18:50pm
I read that studies show that having pets
can help lower blood pressure and calm
people. I love my cat so much, I just look
at her and go 'awwww' and she's still a
kitten and has a daft half hour where she
runs about th eplace completely nuts and
it's just so funny. She always makes me
laugh.
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melancholydaye
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Pets help me Posted: 02-26-08 18:59pm
I have a cat and it helps me out a lot.
she is really attached to me, and I think
it's the fact that animals can't judge or
put you down that makes me feel comfort. i
highly recommend getting a pet, especially
a puppy or kitten, because it helps form a
special bond.
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lonestarguy
Active User, Really EHEALTHy
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Posted: 02-26-08 19:59pm
I have a Westie which keeps me company at
home as I am not working and on
disability. There's no doubt I wouldn't be
nearly as happy as I am without my little
friend.
I would recommend that anyone who is
depressed to get a pet because they change
your life for the better.
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wavyhaired
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 25 Jan 2008 Posts: 40
Posted: 03-03-08 14:06pm
Chinchillas sounds like such happy-making
pets! Or maybe just a happy word to say.
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PenguinsRus
Moderator
Joined: 05 Nov 2007 Posts: 1228 Location: New York, NY United States
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Posted: 03-05-08 13:23pm
wavyhaired
wrote:
Chinchillas sounds like such
happy-making pets! Or maybe just a happy
word to say.
Hahaha. They are quite fun to watch and
Kirby always manages to make me smile. He
does lots of little cute things like roll
around in dust, hold raisons in his paws,
clean his whiskers, curl up on his
side....
I used to suffer
from periodic bouts of depression, some so
severe that I did contemplate suicide. I
saw the effects of anti depressants on
some of my acquaintances and decided not
to go down that road.
