[ItGoesOn]

So I know this sounds really weird and lame but I was wondering if anyone has found any success in their depression problems through pets, specifically fish. I have a dog but I can only have fish when I go back to school in the fall and was wondering if anyone has found success or any positive changes with taking care of fish. I know this is weird but I read somewhere even something as small as them can help and since fish are my only option (and I need all the help I can get) I figure it might be worth a shot. Any one tried this odd experiment?

I love animals - they really help my depression. I like keeping fish too, although I don't have an active tank right now (they died when I was on vacation and the power went out for many days...). There are lots of other cool animals you can keep in a small fish tank that might work. I love frogs and newts (fire-belly toads are awesome and available at almost any pet store). Small reptiles are maybe doable too, like a skink or bearded drangon. The downside of these are that you may need to get crickets once a week which is harder than flake fish food but going to the pet store once a week gives you something to do anyways and they're like $2.00 a dozen. I would think any place you could keep fish you could also keep amphibians and small reptiles (other than snakes, which are prone to escape).

Currently I have a russian tortoise and he's fun to watch and take care of. He's not loving like a dog but he counts on me to take care of him and that helps me.

[pegasus]

Yes having fish is very calming which is why dentist's often have them in the waiting room!

if it works for you.

I LOVE my dogs (and they can also drive me nuts sometimes too). For me - a fish would only make me want tartar sauce. But if it works for you - GREAT.

[Momentofclarity]

Theoretically anything might help. But I think it depends on why you find pets ease things up for you to begin with. Do you like to snuggle with them then obviously a fish might not be the best choice. If you like to actually talk to them about feelings then whatever pet you talk talk too would work..right?

I am sure you get the theory but at the end you know more about pets than I do. I find pets scary... :O ... though...I would like one.