Pets do not significantly benefit the emotional health of owners with severe mental illness, study shows - eviltoast
  • golden_calf@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I understand where you’re coming from and as a kid that sucks to be responsible for someone who is supposed to be caring for you.

    Anecdotally, when I had mild depression I found the responsibility of a dog really helped me. It got me on daily walks and a schedule that helped me mentally. The cuddle part is nice but the responsibility is what I think really helped pull me out of a slump.

    It’s not for everyone and certainly not if you don’t like dogs. Also actually severe mental issues need meds. The dog can’t fix what is truly wrong in those cases.

    • Nepenthe@kbin.social
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      1 year ago

      I’m really glad it helped. It’s a fairly big coin toss, to choose such a needy animal, and it’s the biggest reason I refuse to own one. I’m a lot better around them now than I was as a kid and it would force me outside, but I don’t think I could handle that kind of energy every day, multiple times a day, and no dog deserves the level of neglect it might turn into.