Do you find pets helpful for your mental health?

MaFer

1y

Definitely, they are pure joy and love and we need that aaaall the time

BigHarry

1y

I agree

Miles.For.The.Win

1y

I agree. Without my pup, I'd have given up this week. She's as you said, pure joy.

Bre19

11mo

samee

Tay007

1y

Yes

Bre19

11mo

same

TabbysMom

1y

Most definitely! They keep me alive.

Bre19

11mo

same

yumzy199725

1y

Definitely help love having my beautiful cat coco around cant sleep properly unless Shes near me aw and the feeling definitely mutual she always sleeping on my head 😴😂😅

Bre19

11mo

aww

tigerbear

1y

I semi-jokingly call my cat my therapy cat! He's the most affectionate cat I've ever known and he loved to be cuddled. I find his purrs really calming when I'm stressed and his company helps me feel less isolated ❤️ No doubt he's good for my mental health.

pinky3

1y

I have three cats and one of them is always around me all the time. He is the most lovable of all. He always cuddles with me when I sit on the couch or lay with me and cuddle. He is so loving as well! 😻

Bre19

11mo

aww

Joliz

1y

Yes, my cat is very comforting, has the loudest purr, and will pat my face when he’s especially delighted by my stroking his face

Bre19

11mo

aww

Cessel

1y

100% ❤️🙏

pinky3

1y

Omg! Definitely! I love petting my cats and spending time with them and just looking at them. I love when they purr. 😻😻😻

Bre19

11mo

aww

Anna_Karina

1y

Yes

asc

1y

👍

asc

1y

I cat helps me distress

Bre19

1y

yes

ThunderBeetle

1y

My dog helps my anxiety so much!

Bre19

11mo

aww

KayCeeBee

1y

Yes and no. Seeing my sweep pup and spending time with her is wonderful, but I also worry about her so much. We have taken her to the emergency vet four times already and we haven’t even had her for a year. She also has anxiety and has been prescribed medication.

QueenDreamer

1y

Yesss. I love my kitty so much. He can tell if I'm having a hard time

Bre19

1y

awww

DustyPines

1y

I have an assistance dog, and excluding the physical tasks she does for me, her presence and willingness to love and help me has improved my mental health beyond words. Truly a life changer ♥️

prince_peesh

1y

likewise! 🥰

Tress

1y

For me my dog does help me with my mental health.

Bre19

11mo

same

bellacourse

1y

Absolutely! I love being with my cats and dogs when I'm sad. They can sense it and cuddle with me to help me feel better.

Bre19

1y

aww

Chan

1y

👍

Stormcloud_Phantom

1y

Definitely. 100%. My cat is my comfort. He is the best for cuddles, and highly loveable and his purrs are so relaxing and calming for me. I love my cat, he is (jokingly) my child

Bre19

1y

awww

hydroepilepic21

1y

Sometimes

faerywyrm

1y

Absolutely. My dog is not just good for my anxiety, she helps keep me to a routine and fairly stable. Thanks be for dogs!

Bre19

1y

awew

Mouse12144

1y

Yes and no, depending on the pet and depending on mine an their mood at the time

Kittypop

1y

100% my rescue/adopted cat healed the hole in my heart after having to say goodbye to the cat I had had for 17 years last year 🥹💖

Bre19

1y

awwww

floatingvibe

1y

some days i feel like if i didn’t have my dog i wouldn’t be here

Bre19

11mo

same

SecondChance

1y

Do you like to breathe? What kind of silly question is this. 😅

Bre19

11mo

true

inertplanetary

1y

My baby boy (an Akita cross) is coming up to 12 now 💕 we've had him since he was 5 months old and he has matured into a lovely supportive friend 💕

Bre19

1y

aww

EliteLexy

1y

Life savers for me. The souls I bond the closest to.

Bre19

1y

same

royalty

1y

Yes. I got a golden retriever to be a therapy pet. She's almost five now and she's saved my life multiple times.

Bre19

1y

awww

SuicideShrimp

1y

Yes but my doggy don’t like to spend all day with me when I require her fluff at all times 😭😭😂

Bre19

1y

same

Bre19

1y

Yes my puppy is very good at helping me clam down when I am having a anxiety attack she comes to where I am and starts to jump on me I think that's her trying to help my heart rate go down she licks me to distract me she also stays until she knows I'm better and will sit and just let me pet her

Motley

1y

Everybody says dogs are great therapists, I have to say that is not true of my rude old mutt who hates cuddles and leaves if I'm crying but! She does get me to go for walks when I wouldn't otherwise and despite her rudeness I adore her and seeing her face makes me smile. Taking care of my tiny tank pets has been a blessing to me as well, they give me something to put effort into and they are so cute and charming and special.

Mollyisme33

1y

Legit have 2 cats, 2 dogs, 2 bearded dragons and a snake, they are my will to live and have been for a long time:) I don't know what I'd do without them

Bre19

1y

awww

KatGPT

1y

Absolutely! In my college dorm room, I am able to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) and so I got a Guinea pig.

Bre19

1y

awww

jelly_bean97

1y

100% I've got 4 dogs and 3 cats and they have brought me nothing but 1000% joy and support. They make bad days bearable.

Bre19

1y

awwww

italianxpeaches

1y

My dogs definitely were!! I miss them. Hopefully soon I can have a new buddy. ❤️

Bre19

1y

so sorry for your loss

darkstarrynight

1y

My little bird 🐦 is the sweetest friend. She has helped me a lot, and (since I don't have any siblings), she keeps me company too.

Bre19

1y

awww

Nal

1y

Yess yess yess I love animals I have a love bird and he really lives up to that name, I love him so much his name is boobie,, nd he helps me a lot nd makes me happy he loves to snuggle nd he’s soo weird which makes me love him more

Bre19

1y

awww

sageblanl

1y

My dog is the only reason I'm still alive so yes 100% they are better than people

Bre19

1y

yesss so true

Eren2273

1y

It depends on the day! My guinea pigs and dog are very comforting for me, but some days my motivation is so low and and I procrastinate so much that I'm anxious the entire day (disclaimer in case it sounds this way: I don't neglect my pets even on bad days)

Amimae

1y

Yes. I have four birds and despite their loudness and bitey-ness, they're super cute and stress relievers.💕

Bre19

1y

awwww

FS_cookielove

1y

Very much yes, mine is a ESA I love my baby

Bre19

1y

that's amazing

YoursTrulyNavy

1y

Yes, my dog is partially-trained as an ESA, so I call her my therapy dog 😆 When I was extremely depressed last summer, her being downstairs was the only reason I would get out of bed most days. Although I live in a college dorm most of the year, I always look at photos and videos of her when I get sad or stressed out.

Bre19

11mo

aw

luce__

1y

Yes yes and yes! My babies get me through, i have 4 cats💕

Bre19

1y

awww I love cats

Student_girl

1y

I’ve got a service dog (for physical issues), but he’s the best for mental health too

Bre19

11mo

awe

Rayshealth

1y

Does anybody have any for contamination OCD? I’ve been wondering but my therapist says it wouldn’t be a good idea at the moment.

SleepyLizard

1y

I have no experience with contamination OCD so do feel free to ignore my suggestion if it's irrelevant/stupid. I would maybe suggest an animal that's relatively clean and is a small animal that has its own enclosure? Maybe a reptile or amphibian.

MyMelody0820

1y

my pets over the years have all been good at like a sustained exposure therapy for me when it comes to contamination ocd

Storme25

1y

Definitely

Bre19

11mo

same

Kupkake96

1y

Absolutely!!

Bre19

11mo

same

SecondChance

1y

Love all the fluffies

Bre19

1y

I 1000% agree

Arline

1y

I have 5 dogs plus 2 cats they help my depression but yes I love them my little babies ❤️❤️❤️

Red914

1y

Yes. My dog and cats give me so much joy and a reason to get out of bed. And a reason to walk when it's not so cold out.

Bre19

1y

thats good

Hats

1y

Absolutely the unconditional love and cuddles my dog gives me is the best medicine, the lack of judgement animals have is amazing too!

Bre19

1y

awww

lainey1888

1y

My dog has saved my life ❤️

Bre19

1y

awww

Cooper_Car_Girl

1y

They definitely do the job of easing stress and depression, he feels when I’m tense and comes and snuggles up close with me to make sure I’m ok and if I cry he doesn’t like it but he still makes sure I’m ok and tries to give me lots of kisses.

Bre19

1y

thats lovely

oddie

1y

they do! they help me forget about my feelings and make me feel better

Bre19

1y

yessss

hydroepilepic21

1y

Sometimes

AspiringArchitect

1y

Nope, I'd rather have only me to worry about 😂

Picklelover21

1y

I used to have an ESA he was tremendously helpful. I think even if you just have a pet it’s helpful!!

Ash.G

1y

I would say yes they would improve my mental health I kind of would like to have a service emotional support dog at some point.

Bre19

1y

that's understandable

Bunny73

1y

Yes we have 4 dogs 2 are mine and my fiance's and the other 2 are my brother and sister in laws and they definitely help me when my anxiety spikes and when Im super depressed

Bre19

1y

awww

moonlit_shiv

1y

Absolutely! My foster cat forces me to have a routine, as even if I don’t want to get out of bed, I have to get up in order to feed her breakfast. I can’t be out too late because she needs dinner. I’m never alone at home because she’s right there with me. Playing with her is a nice distraction, and petting her while she purrs happily is so therapeutic. Or dare I say, thera-paw-tic? Needless to say, fostering a cat has been awesome, I definitely recommend having a pet if you can handle the responsibility and financial costs! Plus, you’d be giving a nice home to a cute little furry baby too!

Nikki03

1y

Absolutely my dog helps me so much ❤️

Bre19

11mo

aww

AnxietyGirl79

1y

Yes, two of my best friends that kept me going got taken to the shelter by my father in law yesterday and now I don't know what to do, I'm so heartbroken, he is an evil man who hurts people on purpose

Bre19

11mo

aww

BruceWayne

1y

Definitely, my family dog is the best

Bre19

1y

felt

Aquarius_Mage

1y

YES!!!! Being around animals makes my life so much better. And then there's people...UGH

Bre19

1y

same

I.am.Lucy

1y

Yes. My dog is amazing for my mental health!

Bre19

1y

yesss

Rahja

1y

No, it had the opposite effect for me. I live in a poor family, that are lazy people, and neglectful towards animals. When I got my dog I had the means of caring for him and his two sisters, but I never got the support I needed to properly raise them (I can't drive and have to depend on others for transportation, so I couldn't just take the puppies to the vet on my own). Anyways since getting my dogs I have gotten into many arguments with my family about their poor behavior, seen countless other dogs in our yard get ill and die due to my family (father specifically), and the worst part of all is no matter what I did to help it never worked out. At this point I'd rather the dogs ran away or peacefully passed, so they no longer have to suffer. I'll never be able to look at dogs the same way after the trauma I've endured.

Bre19

1y

interesting

ChronicallyKC

1y

Absolutely! Sometimes when I come home I’m a poor mood I’ll take my dog out and immediately on those days she just happens to find a stick and will do the most joyous trot you’ve ever seen. She always lifts my spirits.

Bre19

11mo

aww

Dominemors

1y

Absolutely

Bre19

11mo

so true

JustSmegs

1y

1000%

Bre19

11mo

yess

Hm2meah7

1y

I really really really want a cat. Becuase I feel like having a pet would make me soooooo happy. Is there anyone from the UK who has a kitten I could adopt?

haylo

1y

Yes! Two birds here and they help me out of bed every morning. They need food and water and it's my job. Helps make life a little easier when they need you in it.

epiclepsy

1y

Yes <3 they force me out of bed on days when I'd otherwise ignore everything else, and that first chore is always the hardest to get started. Some days I'll even be good enough to ride the momentum of it and get other things done too.

Bre19

11mo

same

Leafosaur

1y

Yes, but sometimes I get so fatigued or I burnout that I have to push myself to take proper care of them. This usually means a longer pain period or crash in the end :(

Keeby

1y

Yes I love to cuddle with my dog when I feel anxiety It always helps 🤗

Bre19

11mo

aww

Feral

1y

Definitely. When im anxious i just hold my cat and push my face into their fur. Breathing deeply into their chest makes me feel so much better

Bre19

11mo

aww

bubs34

1y

My pets run away from me so I guess not. 💀

ickyichthyosaur

1y

Yes, to the point where my mom wants me to get a service dog. I'm not sure I need it enough to justify though

mthebrave

1y

❤️❤️❤️ how wonderful pets are!

Bre19

11mo

same

mthebrave

1y

Maybe a service dog needs you! 😊 Honestly, I think it's worth giving it a go because they'd be there for the good and bad days.

mthebrave

1y

@ickyichthyosaur

ickyichthyosaur

1y

thank you. This is an ongoing discussion and I'm starting to think it might be worth it. I just don't want to get on the waiting list before someone with bigger needs

HelpfulInformation

1y

YES, YES, YES 👍I have cats and one specifically is my 'depression monitor & anxiety controler'. Before I even know I am getting to a point, she follows me and chatters instead of meowing until I sit down. She sits on my chest/shoulder puts her face on my cheek. I wish I could share a pic my husband took of us.🐈‍⬛️😻🐈

MinouBallerine

1y

🥰

Ziggy_B

1y

Yes and no. If they're trained yes if not then nooo. I've had both while depressed and a trained pet can really help to get you in a better mood and offer some emotional support. My dog made me go outside every day and I could get fresh air. It also gave me routine to feed her. With the untrained pup, she was adorable but oh my goodness I was spiraling. I cried every day and it really reminded me why I don't want kids.

BeeMarrie

1y

Yeah my dog really helps calm me down and feel better

Bre19

1y

awww

gatoraid

1y

yesss, my cat, she's the best, such a jerk but she's also so sweet , she was the only constant in my life for a while. Love her

Bre19

1y

awww

MagickalRebel

1y

Absolutely, this last year was rough I went from 3 animals to none. One dog died of cancer, one died of old age and my cat she disappeared all around the time I got my tubes tied and got out of an abusive relationship. It was absolutely heartbreaking and my health was impacted. 😥

SapleMyrup

1y

YES!! My cat Mocha is the sweetest baby and I feel instantly calmer when he’s around. Taking care of reptiles also gives me a good daily routine to get me out of bed. They’re so rewarding!

Bre19

1y

awww

Frances92

1y

Considering I have 6 (2 Cats, 3 Guinea pigs, and Bearded Dragon), I would say absolutely, its gives me something to care for and they love me regardless.

MinouBallerine

1y

totally!

Bre19

1y

awww

xhunterjx

1y

100%

Bre19

11mo

same

J.ello

1y

To be honest I wouldnt be here if my cats werent here

MinouBallerine

1y

All five of mine are the best healing therapy 🐾

Bre19

1y

that's amazing

chinchillafurgirl

1y

Absofuckinglutely they do

Len

1y

100% yes. My cat Vixen is amazing for my mental health. I've been very suicidal lately but he's pulled me through just by being him. I love him to pieces and don't know what I'd do without him

DrakellaEuphrates

1y

Im hear if you ever need a friend to talk to. I was very suicidal last year. It's a very dark scarry place.

Bre19

1y

that's amazing cats are amazing

Sleepy_Mags

1y

Yes my dog Comet and I are always around each other. She makes me feel so much happier!! 💕

Bre19

1y

awww

charntelle

1y

Yes 💜

Bre19

11mo

agreed

shoe

1y

Yes 100%

Bre19

11mo

so true

nsiberian

1y

Pets were good for my mental health before ever had issues. Now these amazing precious souls are a necessity in my daily life. I used to be a vet tech, when I was able to work, I miss it alot. But now me and my current dog love the dog park, every one else's dog, most of the time lol and I have massive love for cats, purring is good for the soul

Bre19

11mo

very true

qveenofthecastles

1y

Of course!!!

Bre19

11mo

agreed

bambipony

1y

Yes my dog was my rock. Unfortunately he passed away recently and I've felt lost ever since 😥

DrakellaEuphrates

1y

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know that pain all too well. I hope someday you heal and maybe find another furbaby

Bre19

1y

awww

avian

1y

yes!! my cat is a great source of serotonin and he motivates me to get up every day, too. i need to make sure he gets food and water, after all, so i might as well make sure that i'm getting food and water too

Bre19

1y

awww

Tracks

1y

My brother has a few of them, and I think they help him and I.

Trudie_tootie

1y

I put my cat on ever crisis plan I have, so I would say yes.

Bre19

1y

awww

E11iefant

1y

My service dog has been my rock through my chronic illness journey! She makes sure I get outside even when I just feel like laying in bed all day and she’s always there with unconditional love when I’m feeling down ❤️

Bre19

11mo

aww

Stayskz

1y

Definitely. I have seizures and recently I've just had episodes of confusion and being generally disoriented. I lay next to or on my dogs side and just focus on her and breathing for about 10-15 mins, and then I can get focused again and she really helps.

Bre19

11mo

aw

Ghost125

1y

Yesssssss

Mr._Dank

1y

Cats do. The dog I live with can help sometimes, but a lot of the time she makes me way more anxious.

Bre19

11mo

cats are lovely

Loblolly

1y

I have 3 cats and 3 dogs and I can fully say that they are the most helpful thing for my mental health.

Bre19

11mo

aww

Rollergirl

1y

💯% I finally got a dog last year (I’ve always wanted a pug, but I’m allergic to dogs☹️ I finally decided if not now, when? So, I rescued him and he’s the best thing that has ever happened to me!) Sometimes he’s the only reason that I get out of bed-especially for the past few months. I’m always in so much pain and with the cold, dark winter; I’ve become so very depressed- I haven’t felt this bad in a really long time. I doubled my dose of Cymbalta today. I’ve been talking to my doctor about doing this for several months and I’ve tried but the side effects suck. Sorry always end up going back down to 30 mg. I’m praying that this will help my pain, anxiety and my depression 🙏

Bre19

11mo

aww

unicorn

1y

Absolutely. I got my dog almost exactly a year ago when I was really struggling with my mental health while in school. Having a dog while you’re still a college student can be difficult, but she’s been so helpful for me and it’s been so rewarding to watch her learn, gain confidence and trust, and start showing more of her personality.

TabbysMom

1y

In all honesty, if it were not for my furkids, I would not still be here. They're all rescues but I am unsure of just who rescued who. ☺

spitebun

1y

Yes. My emotional support bunny is the only thing keeping me going right now

Bre19

11mo

aww

BbyBunnny

1y

Very much so, my bird's very cute and her chatter melts my heart. Even her chewing things can distract me well enough.

SEVIN

1y

Yes, my dog is the one presence in my life who can look at me and make me feel actually loved. Taking care of him helps me take care of myself.

Del97

1y

One of the only reasons I’m here

Pain_Warrior89

1y

Yes, I don't think I'd be here without my dog. Knowing it's just me and her. She's very cuddly trys to lick away tears, sleeps next to me.keeps my going

EliteLexy

1y

YES 💕

Milburn

1y

Absolutely. I’d be lost without mine

Alpha30

1y

Sometimes, it depends what mood my bears in 😂

Squire

1y

My three cats, two girls & one boy are my companions, especially when my mental health isn't good.

Brokenarrow22

1y

❤️yes and no….most of the time yes but when accidents happen which they do and I understand that they just tend to happen when my day is off and struggle cuz of mental stuff the clean up can become upsetting only cuz as I clean I blame myself for this happening

crazycatlady1

1y

Yes I think they do. They give you someone to talk to and get things of your chest. I wouldn't be here if I didn't have my cats. They have snuggled on my lap and sat by me as I have cried into their fur. They give you unconditional love ❤️

NurseyPA

1y

I'd be lost without my two German shepherds, they are my buddies

brenians13

1y

Depends on the pet, my dog is the right amount of energy to make me laugh and calm when I need cuddles. He's also really good at telling me what he needs when I may not be fully with it like different movements mean different things such as dinner or walks etc.

justdoingmybest

1y

YES. I hate going back to college because at home we have so many pets :(

Bre19

1y

oh no

emmyhope

1y

Absolutely

Bre19

1y

same

EliteLexy

1y

Not "helpful" as much as "necessary" in my case

Katharina

1y

100%

Bre19

1y

same

AstraDragon

1y

My cat is basically my child. My day and life revolve around my husband and our cat.

Bre19

1y

aww

bretange

1y

Absolutely! Why do you think there are so many emotional support, therapy, and service animals? Just something about them is so great for the soul!💕

Bre19

1y

so true

Pinkdreamer

1y

Absolutely. I don't think I'd be alive today without my pets. They are a constant source of comfort and companionship. ❤️

teiovex

1y

yes! my cat always knows when I need support

CharlieAlien

1y

Yes, unfortunately none of my pets are actually mine so I can't move out with them.

DrakellaEuphrates

1y

Absolutely! My dogs love me unconditionally and I need that in my life. They kiss my tears and make great warmers for a lap.

CraftyMama

1y

Helpful but thanks to people abusing the ESA aspect of apartment living, I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get an ESA for my anxiety, ADHD, and hearing impairment. My pcp is all for supporting me in that but because I see a separate provider for mental health, her hands are tied and my mental health facility no longer does ESA acceptance letters due to liability issues they've had when people abuse the system trying to have aggressive pitbulls, great danes, huskies, or other loud, large, destructive, multiple animals in apartments. Or simply want dogs but won't clean up after them.

Betta

1y

Yes, if sad hug cat, get better.

Deszy

1y

Yes I do unless they are “bad” or do something wrong then it stresses me or makes me angry

MarVell84

1y

Yes, my cat is amazing. She is trained as a emotional support animal

zozo131

1y

My old dog (RIP) was my best friend for so long. He always knew when I was having a flare but his vet’s misdiagnosed him and he was only 7. It honestly broke me but because of my autism, I can’t ever show it because it takes me a while to process things. He was the absolute best honestly 😥

Brittanybrat

1y

Yes and no. I have an emotional support kitty and doggo. They are super comforting most of the time but I do have days where I just scream at them to get away from me because they are just too needy and I'm struggling to even care for myself. I try to recognize the good and bad days. And my babies are always supportive of their crazy mama.

FlutterbyButterfly

1y

It depends.. my cats can be little stinkers, and the can stress me out financially! But I love them regardless.

Disneymum

1y

I got my cat after our previous fur baby was hit by a car once people started going back to work during covid. I was struggling with my mental health and fear covid was going to make my health worse, he is a house cat and make me smile every day however he only play fights me in our house otherwise a very gentle cat. I have EDS my hands are so scarred from him biting when playing with him. He got me through a dark time and is such a mummy's boy. I think pets know alot even though they can't speak. X

Nannytequila

1y

Yes 🤗 I have a furbaby called Eva - a shiztzu cross chihuahua

faustmare

1y

Knowing that my sweet boys rely on me being healthy and functional really helps me find the motivation to keep going. Being a fur-parent helps me to improve and become the best, healthiest version of myself. I want to be the best parent I can be- for my kitties !!

ClayBrooks

1y

My last dog died just as my mental health and disassociations she was helping me with them just by being near me... It got really really bad after she died...so bad that bad, ended up in hospital lots with many...injuries. Not to go into details but it was bad. She was a Jerman Shepherd, Labrador cross and she was amazing...her birthday is on 14th feb, 4 days away. It still hurts.. Anyway we got another dog last october, a pure bread jerman shepherd. He is amazing and crazy. I taught him some deep pressure therapy things and he helps when I start dissasotiatung. He somehow knows when its happening...sort of even though he is only 1 and 1/2. He has a habbit of when I'm spitaling into a disassociation he starts being more crazy and climbing all over me. He is 40kg aka 7stone and he also starts acting up by grabbing things he isn't supposed to and nipping me. It helps and often once I'm more in control he just sits with me. He helps lots.

Karrieanne73

1y

My esa dog Merida is my whole world and of it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t get up on the morning. She makes me have to think of someone outher than me and take care of her. She knows when I’m sick or when my anxiety is coming on or depressed. She will come lay with me or come lick me and let me know she is there and that it’s okay. She makes me laugh and she is just the love of my life. She is just like one of my own kids now that mine are all grown up

cat69

1y

Extremely so....however sometimes it is more than i can handle when depressed or sleep deprived...not brushing them enough etc ..and then i feel huilty..consider " easy pet/ breed"

EliteLexy

1y

Always.

Bre19

10mo

same

Marry_Me

1y

Yes

Bre19

10mo

same

poodlelover28

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