[HazelGirl]

i just got a cat on Saturday, and after we adjust, I am hoping she will help me with a lot of my mental health struggles. Anyone have an animal or any experience with animals helping them emotionally?

[Angelique67]

My cat who was with me for 21 years was the light of my life. I kept plugging along for her. Hopefully you and your cat will bond soon and love each other just as much.

[JustShakey]

I don't have any animals, though I have always wanted a dog or cat. There is something awfully soothing about pets. As soon as we're stable I want to get us a dog.

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[Jordy]

My horse has kept me alive on more occasions than I can count. Especially when I was severely depressed at university, but had the responsibility to feed him twice a day. I couldn't bear the thought of him being hungry because no one knew I was dead....

Now I'm doing much better, but his presence still calms me down when I'm upset or hurting.

[coolibrarian]

We have a lot of cats, several of whom are devoted to me. My late cat, Gypsy, was my absolute kitty-soulmate, and I miss her terribly. She lived to be nearly 19. She always KNEW when I was in danger of SH, sat with me when I cried, etc. We used to have a dog, years ago, and I found that, since I had to walk him a few times a day, that was the way I got some exercise, which is very helpful in dealing with depression. I would like to have a dog again, someday.

[Depletion]

I've had a cat for the past year, it makes world of difference. She is very cuddly and really helps me get some of my need for physical closeness and tenderness met. She really likes to get in my lap and kiss my nose, its so adorable.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I've had dogs for over 14 years. They definitely help me with so many things. They make it easier for me to go out in public, make it easier for me to meet people, and get me to do things I never thought I could do. When I'm feeling really stressed or anxious or upset, just sitting and petting a dog helps me to relax and get grounded. When I need to cry, there's nothing better for me than cuddling with a dog and crying in to their fur.

My dogs have saved my life on more than one occasion, as I realized that I couldn't leave them behind. When I was at my lowest and seriously considering sui...fully ready to act...I sat on the couch and both dogs jumped in my lap and snuggled in and it stopped me.

One of my current dogs has proven to alert to severe mood changes. She alerts when I fall in to a mixed state or a depression.

Having the daily routine of caring for dogs has helped me to stay functional even when I'm at my worst and it helps me to maintain some kind of social rhythm. Also, I compete with my dogs, so I have weekly training classes and shows on weekends, which gives me a network of people that I have something in common with.

That's great that you got a cat. I could not function at all without my dog. For one thing, he has a lot more friends than I do, so he gets me interacting with other people a lot more than I would on my own. He also gets me out of the house because I have to take him for walks. He makes people happy just to see him, and that makes me feel good.

Animals are wonderful boost to mental health.

[secretgalaxy]

I have a cat, two dogs, and a bird (my brother's). Though I have not been diagnosed with anything (I don't want to be), they help me when I am anxiety ridden or depressed. My cat won't leave me alone and makes me pay attention to him when I am crying or depressed and my dog will jump on me while I'm sitting and apply slight pressure to help ground me. He is very well-trained in obedience, so when he does this, it first seemed out of character, but we caught on fast. They also help me in public with talking to people and staying calm. They are trained to the level of service dogs but I won't use them as one since I don't want to be diagnosed with anything. I could never leave them behind, no matter how hard life gets.

[doyoutrustme]

If my pet dies, I might have to be committed.

[Secretum]

I live with my parents, and we have two dogs. One has especially bonded with me. I love her to the moon and back, and she definitely helps make life more manageable.

[Angelique67]

It was after my cat died that I began my descent into hell. Long story, but hopefully most people wouldn't go through the same things that happened to me.

[junkDNA]

ive always had a cat . my old cat (he died in jan this year) kept me alive. he was my responsibility . i felt a duty to take care of him. when he died i was devastated. i got a new cat and we have bonded well.

i think, for me, having a cat with me helps because i live alone. i talk to him and tell him things. he greets me when i come home. its just nice to have something here with me.

[Angelique67]

I want another cat so much but I have to get this place cleared out. Also, not entirely sure I can afford a cat anymore. Things are so much worse for me now.

[ScarletPimpernel]

When I lived on my own for the first time, my Pdoc recommend I get a pet. So I got a dog. I haven't been w/o a dog since. They keep me fighting; keep me alive. I do not consider them a pet, but an actual part of my family.

I actually just got another puppy. I now have 3 dogs: 8 weeks, 2 yrs, and 8 yrs old. I would do anything for them. It was really cool: my T let me bring the puppy to therapy today and told me I can bring her whenever I want. We both sat on the floor the whole session.

Btw, if any of you live in an apartment and they require a pet rent, ask your Pdoc for a letter stating the pet is a companion animal and is necessary for your health. They can't charge you pet rent...at least that's how it is here in CA. And most places have to allow you to have that pet even if they don't normally allow pets. You don't get to take the pet with you like a service dog, but you do get some perks.

[Partless]

Originally Posted by HazelGirl

i just got a cat on Saturday, and after we adjust, I am hoping she will help me with a lot of my mental health struggles. Anyone have an animal or any experience with animals helping them emotionally?

That's adorable, growing up we've had cats and dogs. But now I don't. For me personally it has to do with guilt, like I feel guilty getting an animal to make ME happy and then the second part is responsibility, making sure I take care of them well, to have money and time to attend to them. I also would worry if something happens to them. I don't know how people raise children, it's insane.

Sorry, got off track, but I think it can be a good idea, depending on the person's situation. Pets are different from people in that they're honest about what they want, and their affection is just different, it's unbelievable. Back then sometimes I would look at our cats and see them as little fluffy balls of hunger and love. lol. I miss our cats and dogs very much.

p.s. people sharing stories of their pets who died, makes me all teary eyed.

[~Christina]

My dog makes my life wonderful I adopted him from a lousy disgusting dog pound. I have Bipolar and from day 1 , if I am not doing well he is glued to my side, He often alerts me to changes in my mood that I may not yet be aware of.

I am very luck he is in my life, I also feel that when he passes away I will need to go inpatient.

Enjoy your Kitty

[iheartjacques]

I had a pet cat for 14 years, and a pet dog for 15 years. They helped me survive my childhood/teenage years.
I have a service dog now (not for mental health) but I find that she helps me a lot with my anxiety anyway!

[sweepy62]

Yep my little shitzu angel she is a cuddle bug I talk to her all the time I swear she understands me lol.ImageUploadedByTapatalk1415164290.104771.jpg

[Swabbingred]

Can say with confidence back in 2012 when I was at my cousin's farm with a litter of pups surrounding me was the most therapeutic and potent antidepressant there is.

[bipolar angel]

I got cat back in may. Best decision I ever made. He is very affectionate, knows when I need hugs. There is also social group here at pc-people who love cats!

[gloamingone]

My new pup, Izzy, has been a dream. He's the only dog I've ever had who genuinely enjoys being hugged. When I'm crying, he climbs into my lap and lets me hold onto him and cry into his fur. I wish I could train him as a service dog.

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[HazelGirl]

These stories make me smile! Thanks for sharing y'all!

[CBWard]

I have an amazing dog. Many times I say, "Screw the world and everyone in it... Except you Gizmo. I love you." Then he wags and jumps in my lap and for that moment life is good. LOL

Lithium 800 • Latuda 40 • Propranolol 60 • Provigil 200 • Seroquel 100

[Pikku Myy]

I believe in the healing power of hugs I am glad you found a friend