Is it hard to have depression and have a pet?

82 views
0 support
7 comments

kicknit

11/16/2022 at 11:31 PM

Good advisor

kicknit

Last activity on 01/06/2023 at 1:36 AM

Joined in 2018

15 comments posted | 6 in the Living with depression group

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Messenger
Explorer

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

So I LOVE watching animals on instagram reels (it's like 80% of what I do on that app). I don't have a pet but I really want one. I am scared that on my bad days I won't be able to take care of it. I can barely take care of my self on those days. But I also read that having an animal can help with feeling connected to something and give my life purpose. What do you think? Do you have a pet? Does it help your depression? Are you able to care properly for it?

Let me know, I really want a dog...

Thanks!

Best comment

kisslamarre

12/17/2022 at 3:12 PM

Good advisor

kisslamarre

Last activity on 07/02/2025 at 10:11 PM

Joined in 2021

37 comments posted | 17 in the Living with depression group

5 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Committed
Explorer
Friend

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Pets are my key to help me feel better. I would never go without a dog. They are the ultimate in unconditional love. People can learn a lot from dogs! Check out your nearest Humane Society and go for a visit!

Be sure to update us, would love to see how you are effected from a dog🐕‍🦺

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2022-12-17 15:12:14

All comments

LizziB

11/16/2022 at 11:45 PM

Good advisor

LizziB

Last activity on 04/21/2024 at 8:17 PM

Joined in 2022

603 comments posted | 51 in the Living with depression group

24 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Messenger
Explorer
Friend

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Hi @kicknit

How are you doing today?

I always read articles that say having a pet is helpful for humans to destress. I think it is good to know what your bandwidth as a person is for taking care of yourself and another living thing, whether it be a family member or pet. I will ask some of the other members if they have a pet and how they are able to balance caring for them along with depression.

@fozzy2blue @Richyboy @Suzanne95 @Hambone13 @Dnquintela @meme22 @Priceless1991 @Cadenbriggs @Marmateo @babygirl6640 @Jlmag! @andrewbabb1992 @Mammabear85 @Vodkafly @Aprilpresnell @SierraLS9 @emilylflores @misand @Val0905 @shamianirie @TyraJ. @love44 @Kingston @Justinchad310 @gmlamb @amscott11 @KZDavis8 @Jacjoslog @Scribb1985 @Coleybug @Sunpower50 @MakeitRight10 @beg2097 @Maferotaku

Do you have a pet? What kind of pet do you have? Does it help with your depression? Are you able to care for both them and yourself? What advice can you offer?

Take care,

Lizzi

See the signature

LizziB

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2022-11-16 23:45:50

Lalove78

12/13/2022 at 8:01 PM

Lalove78

Last activity on 05/04/2025 at 8:36 PM

Joined in 2022

1 comment posted | 1 in the Living with depression group

Rewards

Explorer

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Hello Kicknit,

Yes! Having a pet does help, at least for me. I have two bearded dragons and leopard gecko. They don't need as much attention as as dog does but they do love to come out and roam around. And they are perfect for me. Do what suits you and makes you happy. :)

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2022-12-13 20:01:35

kisslamarre

12/17/2022 at 3:12 PM

Good advisor

kisslamarre

Last activity on 07/02/2025 at 10:11 PM

Joined in 2021

37 comments posted | 17 in the Living with depression group

5 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Committed
Explorer
Friend

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Best comment

Be sure to update us, would love to see how you are effected from a dog🐕‍🦺

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2022-12-17 15:12:14

moonshower2

01/02/2023 at 8:48 PM

Good advisor

moonshower2

Last activity on 06/29/2025 at 4:57 PM

Joined in 2020

15 comments posted | 4 in the Living with depression group

1 of their responses was helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Explorer
Friend

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Having a pet absolutely helps me. I need something to take care of beside myself, or I would be dead. My dog is my reality check and I can always cuddle up to her. She's tiny and I'm in a condo, so she goes pee and poop on a pad in the closet. Cats are easier to care for, but I'm allergic. Best of luck and Happy New Year!

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2023-01-02 20:48:56

Dr.WhoPeggygmail.com

01/03/2023 at 5:14 PM

Good advisor

Dr.WhoPeggygmail.com

Last activity on 06/30/2025 at 8:00 PM

Joined in 2020

237 comments posted | 56 in the Living with depression group

14 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Committed
Explorer

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Hi kicknit. Thx for sharing. If u want a dog, a suggestion for u is try taking care of a friend's pet first. Yes, pets can be time consuming altho enjoyable. I had a cat, such a good girl. True, dogs are diff from kitties, but nonetheless great company. Just my 2 cents worth. Taking care of yourself is paramount important too. Well wishes.

See the signature

Peggy Erickson

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2023-01-03 17:14:50

Thakera

01/04/2023 at 1:54 AM

Good advisor

Thakera

Last activity on 08/02/2024 at 9:44 PM

Joined in 2022

17 comments posted | 1 in the Living with depression group

3 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Good Advisor
Contributor
Explorer
Newsfeeder

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

Absolutely, that is my go to, when feeling sad. Please if not a dog get a least a cat hardly any work unless you spoil them. The hardest part of having a cat is cleaning their litter box. Cats are worth it because they love to cuddle all the time. Oops, their is a vet bill if you let him roam outside that is work too.

See the signature

Thakera Cast

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2023-01-04 01:54:50

JennyR83

01/21/2023 at 4:53 PM

JennyR83

Last activity on 02/03/2023 at 8:23 PM

Joined in 2023

2 comments posted | 1 in the Living with depression group

2 of their responses were helpful to members

Rewards

Committed
Explorer

View profileView Add a friendAdd Write

I adopted my 7 month old kitten on the 6th. And the changes that she has brought out in me and my depression are amazing. I was alone an hour from the closest big city. Now there's always someone here with me and she is a cuddle bug so it's beneficial. I'm very glad I adopted her. And I think the feeling is mutual LOL

See the signature

Jenn

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet? https://www.carenity.us/forum/other-discussions/living-with-depression/is-it-hard-to-have-depression-and-have-a-pet-5029 2023-01-21 16:53:19

Is it hard to have depression and have a pet?

Best comment

All comments

Give your opinion

What do you think about the Carenity Forum and community?

Help shape the future of Carenity!

Articles to discover...