would a dog help with my depression

[AnotherLoad]

last week my gp diagnosed me with depression and i think anxiety - although it maybe the meds side effects?

I am a SAHM with a 22mth old and 2 older DC's in school. I was wondering if getting a dog would help get me out more rather then curling up on the sofa and staring into space!

im not a holiday person and dont really like going out alot so i know i wont have to worry about it being left alone. when im over my local field (2 minute walk away) with DD we always like to greet the dogs and they do seem to put a smile on my face.

would it be a good idea or would i be putting more stress on myself?

any one with similar experience?

[MrsZoidberg]

Getting a dog can be stressful, but they can also be a huge reward. One of mine in particular can either cuddle me out of a mood, or she is just so damned naughty that I end up laughing at her.

The idea from Lemarch above re volunteering at a rescue, is a good one. You might even get to know one of the dogs well and decide then, that a pooch at home is a good idea. A lot of rescues also use doggy fosterers, so if you are suitable, you can foster a dog for a while to see how it goes.

Dogs have seen me through all my rough patches, but I had the dog first, so no added stress iyswim

[AnotherLoad]

thanks for your reply, DD isnt in nursery yet and dont know of any rescue centres nearby. but ive never looked.

i wouldnt go for a puppy as i know it can be hardwork with 3 DC's. i was looking more towards an older dog.

DD is in nursery next yr so could look into volunteering if one is close enough and providing they need help.

was just looking for some opinions/views thanks

[AnotherLoad]

sorry MrsZ x posted

ive heard of dogs either being too stressful for some but life changers for others, is why with my depression i thought i'd get some views to see if may or may not be a good move. thanks for your reply.

[multipoodles]

We have dogs, my choice.. my husbands reply would be NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO don't do it!!

[Grockle]

I have severe depression & anxiety & have had a complete breakdown. We recently got a rescue dog. She's timid, neurotic, fussy & messy. I'm still severely depressed but my quality of life has improved, DS loves her & we are forced to go for a walk every day.

It also means I have to vacuum every day (I did that anyway), ferry her to the vets, clean up poo etc so there are more jobs to do but I have no problem with that. If you are struggling to get things done then a dog might not be the best idea.

I'd love to say she's improved my mood but she hasn't. I love her to bits though and am very glad we got her.

[PandaWatch]

Have you ever had any experience with dog ownership?

The right dog will be wonderful company and they are immensely rewarding. However bad my day has been, as soon as I'm home with my dog and he's squeaking with happiness to see me I feel immediately lifted. I love that we have a reason to go for walks everyday, I love having a little furball to play ball with in the garden, play with in the house or just cuddle up with on the sofa. He can be a right pain sometimes (animals on TV cause barking overload, he's mega hairy, he's scratched furniture when his ball goes underneath etc etc) and you do have to adapt your life to allows take the dog into account (e.g. you can't leave them on their own for too long) but we love him sooo much and have never regretted getting him.

I would definitely give consideration to the idea OP!

[yellowraincoat]

I suffer from depression (and other shit). I have always grown up with dogs, my now very elderly childhood dog is still at my parents'.

I do find it SO nice to wake up to a happy doggy face, he makes me laugh, if I cry he puts his head on my knee. If they go on holiday, I go over to their place to look after him and it is lovely. I HAVE to go out of the house 3 times a day, no choice, which often means that I then also go to the shop so don't just eat biscuits and shit.

It can be stressful too though, especially if you're not used to a dog. He gets up in the middle of the night these days and wants out to pee which is annoying. Some days I REALLY don't want to face the world and walking him is horrible.

I think it can be a good idea, but something that needs a lot of thought. Could you get a foster dog first to see if it suits your lifestyle? Or consider another type of pet, a cat or a guinea pig? I live in London and a dog is out of the question for a few years but I might get a guinea soon.

[herbertjane]

Having a dog means you have to go out and about, if you join a dog club you will find it a very friendly place and people will always talk to you if you have a dog with you. It is very easy to ask people to go for walks with your dogs together and the dog will be there to cuddle up to in the evening. Nearly all my social live evolves dogs or doggy people and they are a sociable lot

So if you need a dog to motivate you into getting out and about then go for it. However if you feel you already have enough on your plate (and with 3 dc's no one would blame you) then maybe the extra commitment would just mean more pressure for you. The dog would have to be walked feed and trained and any spare time may be taken up with the dog rather than other activities/chillling.

However I personally would prefer to leave the untidy house, chuck on my wellies and go for a march across the fields with my dogs - makes me feel better every time.

Contact a rescue centre and discuss it with them (Do not be put off if you are questioned and drilled a bit - that shows it is a good rescue that cares a lot about the dogs and finding the right home for them).

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

I won't go into detail but I have suffered from depression and anxiety for a very long time - to varying degrees and for various reasons. I am so much better now and the dog has a lot to do with it. I chose not to medicate but to change diet and exercise and go into long term talking therapy.

We adopted an ex racing greyhound in November. I can't lie; for a very very short while after he became part of our family I was very anxious. I was worried he'd eaten too much/too little. I was worried he was ill. I was worried he might have consumed the tiniest crumb of milk chocolate. But soon enough, as we got to know each other it settled down. He also settled down very quickly with us.

He's beautiful, calm and affectionate. He's also a relentless thief. It is like having another child to cater for, plan for and pay for.

Having a dog has not made the depression and anxiety go away. Getting out for a walk in fresh air and green space eases it and gives me the head space to get the therapy working. It takes me out of the house; when I'm walking him I can't be doing anything else so I can concentrate on the world around me, my breathing... almost like a sort of meditation. There's also that simple love a dog gives you and the warmth of them when they have a cuddle with you that is supremely comforting. Oh, and the sound of his tail whacking the radiator when I put my key in the front door always lifts my spirits.

I've had bad patches since we adopted him but I have found the walks and cuddles relief and comfort. I can't say 'do it' but I can say our dog has helped me.

Oh, and my DCs are 3 and 5.

[Lizcat]

There is a lot of evidence that pets can help as part of treatment for depression. But I feel the decision to get the pet in these situations should be with the blessing of the HCP involved. I have seen several cases where it has been hugely beneficial.
For me personally I am unfortunately having to deal with a lot of rubbish in my life, but my boy the mobile mop is truely my salvation without him I don't know what I would have done. Going to my training club is the best part of my week.

[Scuttlebutter]

Another one here who's had depression. I had it after having cancer (actually v common) and by that time we had two dogs. The dogs were a lifesaver (literally) in that they gave me an unconditional affection that I was able to hang on to. Getting out each day with the dogs was great - since otherwise I would have stayed in bed with the covers pulled over me.

The only note of caution I would sound is that it made a difference in that our dogs were already part of our life, and not something new. Looking back at how I was, I don't think I would have coped at all well with a new responsibility or building a relationship. Some of the common challenges of dog ownership (and even the best dog will have days when they drive you potty) can be tough to deal with if you are already vulnerable.

I think I would go gently, do some walking for a local rescue and see how that goes.

Good luck with your treatment (I was fortunate in that ADs helped me enormously, along with an excellent counsellor).

[Alameda]

it's a great idea, in addition to the joys of the dog itself other dog walkers are usually very friendly and so there is social contact if you want it as well as fresh air and exercise

you could always hire a dog walker for those times when/if your illness sometimes makes it difficult for you to leave the house

[HotDAMNlifeisgood]

I got a puppy when I was having a breakdown and being treated for depression. It was a conscious choice: she gave me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and come home from work in the evening, and I was determined to stick around and take care of this little creature who depended on me for everything, at a time when I couldn't have cared less whether I lived or died myself.

A year later, I am completely recovered, and I have just come back from a 2 hour stroll in the park where I got to natter with my new dog-owning friends while the pack of dogs played around us. It's a great way to relax, get out of the house and meet people.

However, I was a single person with no kids. You already have a family to keep you busy and connected, so I would consider carefully whether a dog will bring you more than you already have. And as others say, it is a commitment you need to be ready for.

So I would give your idea cautious approval.

[BetterOnACamel]

Great answers above, esp. the rescue suggestion :)
My first dog arrived in my life after I had been battling depression for two years. His family was leaving the country and he needed a home. He was older, trained, I had no DCs and had my parents close by to help out when needed. He changed my life. Just thinking of how much I needed him then and how wonderful he has been to me makes me well up even now.

[TheSpokenNerd]

my sisters dog was an amazing help to me when I was depressed...he seemed to know! Could you maybe borrow a dog and walk it? You might find the work they bring too much....your loal dog rescues might be able t advise or you could even put some notices up in shop windows and offer a dog walking service.

[AnotherLoad]

hi thanks for all your replies,

am taking in all your information. I know it wont cure my depression, im on AD's and awaiting counselling it was something to lift my spirits and get me motivated instead of wasting away at home.

our childhood Alsation (lived with my mum) passed in june last year she is missed very much. i have grown up with dogs, before our alsation we had a rough collie. before a couple of my friends moved away from the area i live in i used to tend to their dogs when they went away. although not owned my own dogs i have been around and handled them.

im not making any hasty decisions, will take on board all thats been said. volunteering is a good idea but will have to wait til next yr.

my older DC's are 7 & 10 and my dp has said he will help walk the dog. im not one to go far from home, on holiday or stay out long hours so i know i wont be leaving a dog at home for too long.

there are some nice stories in this thread. its nice to hear them.

thanks for your time x

[MissBetsyTrotwood]

I should also add that I waited until I knew I felt well enough for the new addition. I'd been in therapy for a good six months before he moved in with us. We walked him quite a few times before we brought him home.

[Lougle]

I have to say, I've lived with dogs all my life. GSDs mainly, but also Collies, doberman x, westie. My 7 month old (today!) Staffordshire Bull Terrier never ceases to make me smile, laugh, and lifts my mood.

He is so affectionate, desperate to please. He will persist in his aim to get the best cuddle. He will snooze next to me and fart to his heart's content

[Lac365]

I think it's about getting the right dog.
The wrong dog would be a disaster and could set you back.
It's not about the bread but about the personality of the dog.
You would need a calm quiet dog, perhaps one that doesn't need walking for hours and hours everyday.

However I'm sure the right dog could help you enourmously.
I was very sad when I got my dog. She really has helped to improve my life.

[AnotherLoad]

hi

husky is my favourite dog, never had one. heard they need lots of stimulation, out for long walks etc

I feel i need to get out more, at the moment when all housework is done and DD goes to sleep i sit bored feeling isloated and lonely or browse internet. i need to keep busy or my mind starts doing over time when i sit doing nothing.

next yr DD goes nursery for 2.5 hrs, im going to feel even more lost?!

not in any rush, going to wait a while while i think more about pro and cons and my health gets better

[soaccidentprone]

Try the Cinnamon Trust for voluntary dog walking. They try to pair people who can help with people who need help.

I did this 2 years ago and walked a lovely old dog called Ben 3 times a week. I found it really beneficial getting out in the fresh air, doing some exercise and having someone elderly relying on me to help her out. Unfortunately I had to go back to work 'cos it made me feel quite a lot better (and the ADs helped). I had 4 months off work with ADs and then counselling.

I still take ADs, and every now and again have a bit of a down patch (like this week - don't think the weather helps, nor the fact the house was a complete tip!).

Not much motivation today, but MN is just too distracting

I would love to get a dog, but it wouldn't be fair 'cos we have cats (1 of which is 15), plus I work 4 days a week.

You need to do what's best for you, but I would try voluntary stuff first, just to see how it made my feel.

[HotDAMNlifeisgood]

Huskies are a real handful, OP.

There are plenty of dogs who take to obediance more readily than huskies and will also need loads of exercise.

I am biased, but I would recommend a Lab. They are amenable, brimming with love to give, energetic, and very good family dogs.

[AnotherLoad]

yes i had put a thread asking about experience with a husky and it sounds far too much for me.

lab sounds nice not sure if i have allargy to short hair, my friends staffs make my nose run and sometimes eyes will itch! but im not sure its them? another friend had a short haired cat that sent me on a sneezing fit, but i used to have a fluffy british blue cat that didnt affect me?