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by Bleu723 on May 5th, 2007

Bleu723

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Do you believe animals can help lift people out of depression?

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  • by unknown on May 29th, 2007

    unknown

    Absolutely! My husband would have died without our dog making him get up to let her out. She stayed with him when no one else would. She alerted us that something was not quite right with him. Turns out he had walking pneumonia and was near death. Now he petting the cat or dog relaxes him when nothing else can.

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  • by Sunni1 on May 29th, 2007

    Sunni1

    Absolutely! My cat is my baby. She gives my life purpose and meaning, and I love her. She teaches me how to give and receive affection, something I didn't learn growing up. If you need to be cheered up, volunteering at an animal shelter or adopting an animal will do the trick! It's not a cure for depression but they bring such joy. You don't feel as lonely, and you don't spend as much time focused on your sadness.

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  • by Anonymous on May 5th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Animals are gifted in a way because they cannot talk. But they know other ways of showing affection and they're great listeners. Yes I believe they can lift people from a depression. Talking to an animal isn't crezy, they will listen to you. They can think also, and plus they'll cuddle you.

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  • by Glory on May 29th, 2007

    Glory

    oh yes, I absolutely do believe that!

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  • by Galeanda on May 29th, 2007

    Galeanda

    Studies have shown that they can. In fact they can do lots of thngs for our health. Petting the dog for a few minutes each morning can reset a persons blood pressure to a loweer starting point so they gain the benefit all day long. Just petting your cat while you watch tv for a bit can help your cholesterol.

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  • by zee-ster on May 29th, 2007

    zee-ster

    major depression? no, but i do think an animal could help lift their spirits even though they may not "cure" the depression.

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  • by Brian I on May 5th, 2007

    Brian I

    I believe that they can, probably because they help you to focus on something other than your problems. Here's a link to the Pets as Therapy website.
    http://www.petsastherapy.org/

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  • by the terminator on May 5th, 2007

    the terminator

    yes ecspecially a dog because u can teach it haw to play fetch and everything and play with it

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  • by Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN on August 8th, 2008

    Go know thyself is THE RED QUEEN

    My cat tells me its all in my head and to lighten up & walk it off...

    He also suggests yoga, but he is just so much damn better at it than I am.

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  • by Anonymous on May 29th, 2007

    Anonymous

    Without a doubt. YES !!

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  • by DreAnna on June 12th, 2007

    DreAnna

    Yes I do believe that animals can help with depression and its also proven that the simple act of petting an animal can drastically reduce blood pressure. They sense what you are feeling and are more than willing to turn on their charm..Nonjudgemental unconditional love you no matter what :)

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  • by Smurphy on May 29th, 2007

    Smurphy

    Just try to be depressed around my dog... I dare you.

    No seriously, I truly believe animals have a unique ability to sense our emotions, so yes.

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  • by Babycakes on May 29th, 2007

    Babycakes

    They have people bring their dogs to nursing homes and the patients attitudes changes..they smile more and love the affection they get when the dogs get right up in their lap. They look forward to it every day. I most definetly believe it helps.

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  • by singwell-is off researching a lot on May 29th, 2007

    singwell-is off researching a lot

    Oh gosh yes. I remember crying my eyes out in the back yard one day. Suddenly I heard a little meow,and then a bat of the head. I opened my eyes to see my cat standing there looking so concerned for me. She snuggled up to me and tried to comfort me. It worked. How can you stay down when you have a little cat like that?

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  • by Firebrand on May 29th, 2007

    Firebrand

    Yes definately, most hospitals particularly those for long term and elderly patients have now realised this fact and have canine visitors.

    It is said to have a very uplifting beneficial effect on the patients to just be able to stroke or touch the dogs.

    These animals are much loved and spoiled by the patients who look forward to the visits.

    I think in a personal situation there is nothing better than to be able to cuddle your pet when you feel down.

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  • by giveiturall on May 29th, 2007

    giveiturall

    Absolutely, not a substitute for people but they do a great job in the loneliness department, companionship, it is just good in general to have to think outside of yourself and an animal brings additional perspective to any owner.

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  • by TINKERBELLE on October 22nd, 2008

    TINKERBELLE

    hello, definatly,animals can also lower blood pressure,they calm a persons nerves by petting and talking to them.i have high blood pressure,and own two parakeets and a guinea pig,they have a calming effect on me!

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  • by Bob on June 24th, 2008

    Bob

    there's lots of research that psychologists and others have conducted on this question. after hundreds of studies with thousands of people suffering from depression (and sometimes other things, too), the conclusion is, yes.

    unlike the country song, my wife left me, but instead of taking the animals, she left them all with me. i'm glad that she did! they've been a tremendous help to me and they've helped me feel more confident and loved.

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  • by Rickster is victorious on June 12th, 2007

    Rickster is victorious

    Definitely.

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  • by Anonymous on November 5th, 2009

    Anonymous

    Yes, if I hung a pork chop around my neck, maybe the dogs would want to be around me. +5

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  • by jinxyjinxy on November 2nd, 2008

    jinxyjinxy

    Omg thats so true, because recently on the news(BBC) there was this lady who was clinically depressed and tablets didnt help much and she wanted to commit suicide. But her sister couldn't look after her dog anymore and gave it to her to look after it. The lady was cured after a month and said she really has to thank her sister for giving her the dog and the dog also, otherwise she would have ended her life. The lady's name was Clare and she was talking on the news show about how relaxing it was to stroke the dog and tell it all her problems, indeed dogs are good listeners!!!

    But its not just dogs its cats aswell, anything fury and warm, which is the closest to the human form is good for your mental health. Also there is evidence of living a longer life, reducing stress and high blood pressure!!! A really good topic to look at for people with mental disorders or in need of feeling loved when alone.

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  • by BillFarley on October 18th, 2008

    BillFarley

    Well sure, but i's not the animal that lifts you out of the deppression, its your reaction to the animal that lifts you out of deppression. Suddenly you have a reason to smile and be playful and happy. But humans can do that without animals, so yes animals can, and YOU can on your own aswell by coming up with reasons and doing things that make you feel and live happily.

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  • by leeothe_lion on June 15th, 2007

    leeothe_lion

    I had a nervous breakdown my second year in college I was extremely depressed, unhealthy, and felt no one cared for me. The only warmth and love I felt came from my cat named whiskers. When no one knew were I was at my house and I felt really sad my cat whiskers would find me and he would pur and rub his face all over me.

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  • by Sheriff Raff -Answerhag on June 12th, 2007

    Sheriff Raff -Answerhag

    Yes, by all means. I had to have one of my cats put out of it's misery last week and the other three are being very nice to me. It has helped a lot.

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  • by PillowPants on June 5th, 2007

    PillowPants

    Yes, yes, yes! I believe animals are one of the best anti-depressants on earth! Unconditional + nonjudgemental love=animals.

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  • by Yeux on May 29th, 2007

    Yeux

    Yes, most definitely. Animals are also sensitive to ones vibes; some of them get aggressive and run from you while others try comforting you by rubbing their body against you and following you around.

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  • by P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines on May 29th, 2007

    P. W. Pasobrio loves Marines

    Yes, I do. Jay had Baby Kitty for years and I think that untill me and the boys came along she was the only thing keeping him sane. And i don't know what I'd have done with out my horses. They kept me going through high school and my divorce and now feeding Becca everyday is the push I need to get out of the house.

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  • by comfortably numb on March 18th, 2009

    comfortably numb

    ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    im bipolar, borderline, and i have major depressive and anxiety disorder! trust me, my meds and my dogs have kept me above water.

    theres nothing like unconditional love.

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  • by truefaith on March 13th, 2009

    truefaith

    OH Yes I do!
    I have suffered from depression as well as Physical problems for many years and found that having my 2 cats and a new puppy has helped keep me balanced in reality as well a cherful they can be so funny and lets not forget they LOVE us UNCONDITIONALLY!
    JUST keep in mind they too NEED love, attention and care. If you don't have the time to spend with them or energy it is not fair to bring them home and ignore or neglect thier needs . Pets have feelings to, they get lonely too. They are also sensitve to our feelings and sometimes think they are the cause of our anger or sadness

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  • by Anonymous on June 8th, 2009

    Anonymous

    yes. cats are supposed to be called the calming animals because they can keep people calm and stuff. my kitty helps me alot.

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  • by Monkey D Luffy on December 3rd, 2009

    Monkey D Luffy

    if you want them to yea. you could but a dog but its value is what u put in it. if you want it to help then make it help. animals are pure because they live the cycle they are meant to live. maybe if you see beautiful aspects of animals it could help if not only you can help yourself out of depression. because depression is a mind game u just have to learn to beat it.

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  • by Mud on March 13th, 2009

    Mud

    I wouldnt be the same person without my female pit surgar ree, she my best friend and loves me when I screw up royal and every one else bolts.

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  • by Sociopathetic on October 2nd, 2009

    Sociopathetic

    Definitely. My cat made me so happy. He just knew when I was down, or when I needed someone to be with.

    My mother got rid of him and it certainly didn't help.

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  • by whyMEE on June 8th, 2009

    whyMEE

    they can help temporarily yes. i know I have a kitten who is so sweet and cuddly you can't help but feel happy to have it purring and loving you.

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  • by blonderedhead on March 12th, 2009

    blonderedhead

    yes, unconditional love!

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  • by Kathie524 on October 27th, 2007

    Kathie524

    Definitely. I dunno what I would do without my babies.

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  • by Wannabe Superhero on September 27th, 2007

    Wannabe Superhero

    a friend of mine asked a question like this once. i say yes. it is proven through science that animals do help relieve depression. cats. cats are a major relief around depression.animals have the ability to know when something is wrong. with this ability they always seem to appear out of know where at the right time. just petting them or spending time with them relieves depression.

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  • by songberdie on September 18th, 2007

    songberdie

    I absolutely feel better when I look at my dog and when my cats come over and sit on my lap. Obviously, I have a very special bond with all my pets and they symbolize home (I'm away at college most of the year) so when i think of them and think of home, i feel better immeadiately. I also know they need me and that's a great feeling. They know who i am and i know that if i suddenly werent there anymore, they'd notice. My mom has found all three of our animals scratching at my bedroom door when i'm away and meowing or walking away forlornly when they aren't let in. They miss me and i miss them - it's like having extra friends and friends are supposed to cheer you up and make you feel worthwhile, too.

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  • by Bride2B on November 1st, 2007

    Bride2B

    Oh yes! My dog is always there to listen, he always agrees, is always happy to see me...and he is the bestmoodlifter in the world!

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  • by Singingismystyle on November 1st, 2007

    Singingismystyle

    Sometimes I think they can. People just need to be loved and listened to during these times of depression, and animals are definetly good for this.

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  • by Angel of Music on January 13th, 2008

    Angel of Music

    When I was suffering from severe depression for almost two years my cat was the only one I could relate too. Just his presence brightened up my day a little bit and even once he made me refrain from suicide. The physical touch of my cat also calmed my nerves and helped with my mental state.

    My cat, sad to say is dead now. I have a photo of him on my bookcase with a photo. I don't suffer from that severe depression anymore. I think my cat helped a lot with that. Thank you Toolose!

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  • by Big Purple Blob in a rainCOAT on November 4th, 2007

    Big Purple Blob in a rainCOAT

    I've seen it happen. An elderly lady had gone into a geriatric depression, would not leave her bed or eat, and wouldn't have lasted. A visit from a very cute puppy got her up and going. Probably saved her life.

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  • by dutchyswife on September 9th, 2007

    dutchyswife

    Supposedly studies say they do but I don't think they do. I have 2 cats and they have never helped me with my depression in the past.

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  • by Bride2B on August 21st, 2007

    Bride2B

    Absolutely!!!!!!!! My dog is sooo funny, no matter how down and depressed i am - no one can make me laugh as much as he does!!!! And I can tell him anything, and he always agrees!

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  • by Mushen on June 12th, 2007

    Mushen

    it's been scientifically proven that sroking the fur of an animal has a lowering effect on the blood pressure. It probably cannot life people from the depths of depression though. Put it this way, I had Post Natal Depression and stroking our 7 felines didn't lift me out of anything at all, let alone the depression!!

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  • by haggis on June 12th, 2007

    haggis

    it is a proven fact. they say people with pets cope with life better.

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  • by live4themelody on June 12th, 2007

    live4themelody

    Yes catsare the best for that :)

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  • by Ruby21103 on June 12th, 2007

    Ruby21103

    Hell yes than can! If it werent for my Mickey Roonie Rourke, I'd b in a slump all day!

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  • by Pumby umby umpkin Est. 1989 on July 26th, 2007

    Pumby umby umpkin Est. 1989

    Yes. They provide companionship without exhausting someone by being too talkative, and give out unconditional love despite what people look like. Studies have shown that just stroking a pet can alleviate stress and give a focus on something other than their sadness, which takes their mind off it for a while.

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  • by thewizardMD on July 31st, 2007

    thewizardMD

    it is possible for the presents of an animal to delay the symptoms or even defer them after they have started making you feel happy for a moment, but you will soon fall into depresion again. The best way to get over depresion is to just get over it. Have a good life, your problems will still be there if you are happy.

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