dogs to help with depression?????

[ditavonteesed]

I have wanted a dog for ages, dh doesn't, I have started to think a bit more about why I want a dog so much.
I am suffering with depression at the moment and it seems to be getting worse, dd2 has started nursery and is there for 3 hours A DAY mean8ing I am on my own and lonely, I come back from dropping her off and go to bed, only get up in time to go and pick her up.
I can't be bothered to go places or do things if they have no purpose.
I love walking but can't be bothered to go just for the sake of it.
I am at home on my own a lot of the time.
Anyway yesterday I went for my first councelling sessions and only mentioned in passing the dog idea, the councellor said he thought it would be a great idea, would giv me a reason to get out, which I always enjoy when I do, which in turn makes me feel better.
So I would get the excercise I want, get some company, get over the fact that my babies are gr9wing up and don't need me as much anymore.
Dh and I are now dicussing it again.
Any dog would be mine, my responsibility, my job, At the moment I work part ytime, but the house is only empty for a couple of hours a day, dh would be happy to let it out etc.
So whats your opinion, do you think a dog can really help a person get over depression?

There is quite a lot of research on the beneficial effects of owning dogs, particularly the exercise being good for you, people talk to you when you are out with a dog, you can talk to the dog and they always love you unconditionally!! But they are a tie you will have more work to do. My dogs (I have 3!)were a god send when my ex left me. I am quite isolated and work from home and they are my constant companions during the day. The kids also love them to bits. Hope this helps

To give you an example, I am just off to walk up the hill behind the house as they are now hassling me to go out. I walk about an hour a day when I am at home, it does wonders for your fitness as well!

I think it sounds like a good idea, it appears you can give a good home to a dog with there being someone at home a lot of the time and also being willing to take him for walks.

Hopefully you'll consider a rescue dog :D there are lots of dogs looking for a good home like you can offer.

another factor I forgot is that I am being made redundant in May and my mum has asked to not look after the dc when she does any more after that, so I may well be going back to being a SAHM.

As someone else said, there is scientific research which proves that owning a dog lowers your levels of depression and your risk from suffering from it.

An older (possibly) rescue dog would be ideal for you. You dont need to worry about the huge responsibility/amount of work owning a puppy ensues but will have a companion who will be happy to walk with you for hours.

Why dont you pop into your local rescue centre. They will be able to tell you if they have one that fits the bill and talk to you about whats involved.

My dogs help me with the blues. The need to look after them and walk them gets me going. And they are so lovely to pat when you feel low. Most days they do something loopy that makes me laugh.

Yes, I think that our old dog lifted DH out of depression many years ago.

My dogs keep me sane. I am sure a dog would help you too.

Very best of luck

It is certainly a great help for me: it requires a bit of routine, and a bit of daily exercise, both of which are good for depression. And it is very good to have a companion of sorts when you aren't up to socialising with people.

A small word of caution. Things can go wrong when you bring your dog home, even when you research carefully. You might find that a problem of some sort develops chewing stuff, snapping at the neighbour's dog; holwing at night, or something and if you are feeling very low it might be hard to feel constructive and positive about finding the solution.

A rescue centre where they give you good information about the dog's personailty, and good support while the dog settles in might be important.

I hope you do it, and that all goes well.

Ditto everyone else. All I'd add is that you have a clear understanding with your DH that he too wants a dog and that, heaven forbid, should your depression worsen/you get otherwise ill etc, he is willing to help fully with the dog. Alternatively come to an agreement with him whereby you'd have sufficient support, can afford a dog-walker etc if necessary. Otherwise you could end up with a bored, hyper dog who nobody is able/willing to walk, with a host of problems ensuing which could eventually lead to him being sent to a rescue through no fault of his own.

That being sorted, how about approaching a rescue with a view to fostering? Each rescue works on it's own rules but the basics normally are that you care for (for an agreed time) a dog which has been matched to you and your family. The rescue take responsibility for vets fees, food bills etc during this time (though if you're willing to cover the latter it's much appreciated). You get to see what it's like to have a dog in the home and a "trial run" with that particular one, no obligation, the dog gets a taste of or reminder of family life and some training/social skills whilst the rescue gets a clear picture of what the dog is like in a normal home for future interested parties if you don't become a "failed fosterer" and decide you'd like to keep him.

HTH.