My Terry Bears

[COLOR="darkorchid"]I’m a 60 year old male, married and cannot sleep without my teddy bear. I hug it every night and when I am sad. I have another I keep in my car in the front seat to keep me company since I drive a lot. I started this after I was diagnosed with depression 5 years ago although I have had them for over 25 years. One I bought and one was given to me. My depression, anxiety and mood swings come and go. I still have my teddy bears. Is this OK or is there something wrong with me.

Hello Lost: I see this is your second post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral... from the Skeezyks! (I read your first post as well.) By the way, I'm a 68 year old male (well sort of... it's a long story.)

I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time. I have struggled with depression & anxiety, along with some other stuff, for many years. I've been on a few different psych med's for periods of time over the years & I've tried seeing a few different therapists. They ranged from mediocre to dreadful! I'm no longer on psych med's nor do I see a therapist. At least in my case, I've come to the conclusion that I've simply gotten too old for any of it to be of any consequence, although I've been actively knocking around the mental health system where I live since around the age of 50 & it was never any different.

But what I really wanted to say was that, at least from my perspective, I think sleeping with a teddy bear is perfectly fine! I don't have a teddy bear I sleep with. But back when I was still working, I also did a fair amount of driving. (I don't drive anymore at all.) Anyway... I had a little stuffed gorilla that sat on the dashboard of my truck. I called him "Bob"! I used to tell people he was there to protect my truck from break-ins. So, anyway, at least from my perspective there's nothing wrong with having your teddies. More power to you!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and I think it's cute. I have a big, soft teddy bear that I hold when I'm upset. Whatever works for you. Best wishes.

I have a teddy from when I was young that I hug at night when I'm feeling sad

Personally, I think having teddy bears is absolutely fine, in fact it's a "good" thing

Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep is a problem. Depression is a problem. Hugging teddy bears is a way to address these problems. Teddy bears are not the problem.

I have had a life-long affinity for my plush friends. For some reason my childhood sense of closeness to plush "toys" survived my exit from childhood. I do not know why. I speculate it may have something to do with defective mother-child bonding.