Pre-existing depression and getting a dog

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I have anxiety and depression, goes up and down to varying degrees but can get pretty debilitating.
I can’t get a dog/puppy can I. I’d get puppy blues too bad. We’d love one but need to be realistic

Would your depression limit how you look after it or walk it? I know someone with depression who claims her dog keeps her going as she has no choice but to get out of bed feed walk and play with the dog. She credits the dog for saving her life. However I also know of someone who had depression and really struggled with their dog and it got pretty badly neglected and needed rehomed. Every person and their situation is different. Do think carefully and consider can you commit to taking responsibility for a living being. And if you do decide to get a dog be mindful of what breed you could manage and if an older rescue might be an option rather than a puppy

@Goldentimes has said more or less what I was going to say. The only other thing I wondered was whether you could volunteer at a local rescue or for the Cinnamon Trust to see how you find things before committing to your own dog.

As above I have known a colleague with severe long standing depression thrive with a small rescue dog. Older dog, already largely trained and nice steady ambles each evening.

What support do you have and how are finances to help with training as needed?

I think an older dog would be better for you than a pup. A good rescue centre would match you with the right dog.

I think if you plan for it it might be ok. I have what I'd say is mild but constant anxiety and it went haywire when I got a dog. I'm 3 months in and just starting to calm down. It'a not a puppy either . I wish I'd realised how bad it would be as I really struggled. But I'm hoping the decision will be an investment into my mental health in the long term. I'm definitely starting to feel the benefits of a structure and getting out for walks twice a day plus chatting to strangers I meet on those walks. Before I was very isolated.

I think a dog could be really good for you. I would recommend going to a reputable rescue and being honest with them about your concerns, they will be able to find a dog that meets your needs.

Just to add, I felt really abandoned by the rescue . I'd put in place support if I was to do it again, save more so I could have got a trainer weekly to help give me confidence, etc. maybe just make a contingency fund with ideas like that in case you find yourself spiralling .

Thank you these are great suggestions for consideration. I agree an older rescue would be better, I do have older primary aged children so that would need to be a consideration but perhaps a rescue centre would be able to match an older dog already used to children. Thanks again

My dog has hugely helped my mental health - but I do have a supportive husband who helps. I don't think I could do it all day in, day out without a break. My in-laws also help out when we work or want days out and I think that makes a big difference as he doesn't seem so much of a commitment that way.

However as a dog walker myself I've seen clients neglect their dogs when their MH has taken a nosedive and some have had their dogs taken off them as they couldn't provide a suitable environment for them (no walks, dog forced to toilet indoors and on the carpet, no food and water left down) etc.

I have mild depression and 6 months ago I got a 3 year old dog. For me she is perfect. She was already well trained and to be honest I think I may have struggled a bit managing training her at the same time as training me to walk every day! But I'm truly happier and healthier, I adore her, she's flat out next to me as I type this, when I walk with her I watch her and her joyous bouncing, I can't ruminate because I've got to keep my eye in what she's up to and practise stuck throwing! She keeps me in the moment and I love her for it. But as I said my depression is chronic, mild and she's a perfect match for ME.

When I was depressed the thing that saved me was getting a Dog. It made me get up and get out, helped me abs the kids as it was something to focus on, made me walk and get outside. It's not too dramatic to say that dog saved my life. If you can afford it and have room for it then do it!