Your Pet Can Make You Happy
Posted by Administrator in Mental Health.An Alternative Treatment for Depression
Many animal lovers with bipolar disorder have found that during times when talking and relating to other human beings seems an insurmountable challenge, their pets’ companionship often serves as a lifeline. However, pets can do more than just provide sympathy and company to a person suffering from depression or a depressive phase of bipolar disorder: they can provide a powerful reason for living and a means to gradually work one’s way back into the company of other people.
I have always had cats and assorted other animals, but in the midst of a severe depressive episode it is easy to take their company and compassion for granted. The difference for me, over the past six months or so, is that I have become active with an animal rescue organization and began serving as a feline foster parent. There are animal rescue organizations across the country and around the world. They need volunteers to help with adoption days, clean out the cages of cats and dogs left on display at pet stores, answer phones, and serve as foster parents. If you live in the United States, an easy way to become involved is to go to your local PetSmart (store locator link below) and find out which local animal rescue organization that store works with.
Somehow, whenever life’s challenges have been at their worst, I have ended up with a new foster cat or kitten. That always takes my focus off of myself and my own problems and forces me to focus on making sure my new foster cat has a kind of food that he or she likes, has a safe place to sleep, gets plenty of affection, and is gradually introduced to my own cats. Most people think the hardest part of being a foster parent is letting the animal go when they are ready to be adopted, but that has never been a problem for me.
I receive a new cat or kitten, thoroughly enjoy playing and loving with it for a few weeks, and about the time that it is starting to develop some very annoying habits, it’s off for adoption and no longer my responsibility. One of the things I love most about being a foster parent is that you get to relive all the excitement and joy of having a new cat or kitten every time you get a new foster. Read more