Pets in our lives

My head still hidden under the covers at 5pm. Memories of failure and thoughts of future failure overwhelm me.  A small head peeks in at me. “Meow?” I pull the covers tighter over my head and try to shut out the world again, but a paw reaches under and starts batting at my nose. So much for hiding from at least one creature. I pull down the covers and see her looking inquisitively into my face, and she starts to purr and rub against me. Of course I can’t help but smile and pet her.

I’ve had animals for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I was a teenager that I fully appreciated what animals could do for me. At the same time that my moods starting hitting me fully, animals became an integral part of my life. I had a cat that provided comfort while I was depressed, and a dog that I could walk and play with while manic or anxious. Unfortunately I became allergic to most animals, but have found room in my adult life for 2 cats and a horse that I seem to not be allergic to.

They make a world of difference.

One of my cats comforts me when I’m laying on the couch, but the other one is more in tune with my emotions. She is the one who drags me out of bed when I’m sleeping too much, and helps me expend energy when manic or anxious. She also is a constant companion at home, either playing with me or sleeping on me at nearly all times. I can’t begin to say how much she helps with moods, just by those simple things she does.

My horse is therapeutic too. He is an Anglo Arabian, which means that he is very sensitive and picks up on my emotions. It can make for an interesting ride sometimes! However, when I need to just have comfort, he is calm, and lets me brush him and ride him slowly. When I’m manic, he will race across the prairie with me. I also care for him twice a day, which gets me out of the house around people and into sunlight, if nothing else. I cannot skip chores, so through all moods I have that stability of something to care for.

For those with mood disorders, animals can offer benefits that people or medication can’t quite provide. For most people and myself, pets provide comfort, unconditional love, exercise, emotional outlets, and something to care for.  They make up a part of our personal care plan. I have met many people in support groups, day programs, and online who have pets, and they unanimously agree that pets are an important part of their well-being. If you don’t have a pet, and find you are lacking something in your life, see about adopting an animal from a shelter, or just visiting or volunteering with animals.

Here are a few websites for animal therapy. If I don’t list something in your area, call your local mental health centre and ask about animal therapy.

http://www.psychdog.org/
http://www.cf4aass.org/
http://www.frdi.net/