Has having a pet helped your depression?

[sugarlost]

Hi,
I'm seriously thinking about having a pet as I do love animals but I realise it's a lot of responsibility. I would have to wait until at least a year and see if my circumstances change if it may be a possibility.

Yes, I have a dog and she makes me get out of bed to feed her, let her out for wee etc. We go on walks. When I have been sectioned by the police, I get into a state about my dog! I worry so much about her.
I also had a budgie that was a talker. I taught him lots of swear words so he did cheer me up when I was melting into the sofa.

I got a dog 2 years ago, as my other dog was getting old so wanted a transition. I could not cope. My brother took my older dog for a bit until my dad came home from working abroad. And now my dogs are looked after by my dad, I live in the same house (as I can’t cope living alone) but I have no responsibility for them as I just can’t cope with it. I was doing quite well at the time I got the new dog but after I got him I just nosedived. Last year after a period of well ness I got a cat, and I can cope with her. She and the dogs all get on. She’s an indoor cat so I don’t have to worry about her going missing or anything. She’s a level of responsibility I can cope with most days, I always do what she needs even if I’m having a bad day, if on the odd occasion I can’t my dad does it. I would never have a pet if I lived by myself. I would go with caution, as it could be great but also it could not be.

I've not suffered from depression but do find my mental health is vastly improved with my 2 dogs. They never judge, just love you regardless and you're the centre of their world. I love walking, makes you go outdoors even on days when you really don't want to, and you have to put them 1st.

Having said that, it's a huge commitment and one you need to be able to give 100% to. Our youngest is now 2 but her puppy days from 3 months to 6 months was relentlessly hard going and I'm not sure that I want to ever repeat the experience.

The Cinammon Trust love volunteers to walk dogs for people with health issues, that may be a good place to start?

My hamster always makes me smile. I only get out of bed some days because I know she is sitting by the bars waiting for me to come talk to her and give her breakfast. They're lovely little pets. She waits to have breakfast with me, gets up when she hears me come in from work and once I've come and said hello and stroked her she heads back to bed until I put the kettle on for my tea before I go to bed. Then she gets up again and I give her dinner, have another chat and treat and off she goes to play. They learn your habits and become very sociable.

Tehmina23 she looks just like my cat Bluebell RIP. So sweet with the little white chin
I have quite a serious mental illness and I've had cats for 40 years, they are absolutely essential to keep me levelled out.
My little darling died recently at 19 years old and I'm getting another on easter weekend, she'll never be replaced but really the house without a cat for the past few weeks has been too much.
She always knew when I was sad and would come and put her paw on my hand.