Owning a Pet is a Good Thing to Help Rid Depression

Carol Roach
Previously published in Examiner

If you are a Montrealer who is trying to recover from depression, you know all too well how hard it can be. Depression is not something that can just be willed away. Staying alone and isolating yourself only makes the depression worse. Reaching out for support is important, whether it be to family or friends; or if you have severe depression, you must seek therapy to help you through these trying times.

Here are some of tips to help you through your depression and onto a better life.

Pet therapy

You may be thinking that taking care of an animal would be just too much for you to handle especially if you live alone. However, taking care of an animal might just be the thing to keep you going. Pets make good companions. If you have a pet you are no longer completely alone. Taking care of an animal that is totally dependant on you will give you a purpose for living. Some depressed people feel they are hopeless and useless. Your pet is not going to find you hopeless or useless, that pet depends on you for food, exercise, a clean environment and love. You may find that playing with your pet is enjoyable and you look forward to sharing fun times with your pet. Petting your furry friend and having it snuggle up to you can really help you regain some warm feelings you thought were no longer stirring in your heart.

to be continued

Here are some centers in Montreal for the treatment of depression

The Montreal Center for Anxiety and Depression
Montreal Clinic for Therapy Services

Interested individuals can seek hospital services and outpatient clinics around the city
Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/depression/ss/slideshow-depression-myths?ecd=wnl_dep_102811



Published by Carol Roach

Carol Roach holds a masters in counselling psychology. She worked as a therapist at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal before becoming a professional writer.Carol is the author of the book Picking Up The Piece...  View profile

11 Comments

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  • Mike Powers11/13/2011

    I agree. Good article, thanks!

  • Rebecca Rosenburg11/12/2011

    I agree- being responsible for a pet does help depression.

  • Bethany R. Marsh11/12/2011

    I love this article: it's so true!

  • Memmay Moore11/11/2011

    Pets bring happiness

  • Judy (Montelauro) Harrell11/11/2011

    Another great article!

  • Martin Kloess11/11/2011

    well written piece - thank you

  • Sandy James11/11/2011

    This is very true! Great article, Carol!

  • Jimmy Collins11/11/2011

    Great read!

  • Laura Cone11/11/2011

    good job

  • Michele Starkey11/11/2011

    I couldn't imagine going thru life without an animal nearby :) cheers

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