How my snake helps with my depression-- anyone else have depression?

I struggle with depression, and especially on mornings like this when my partner and kids have left the house, and I have a day off after a tough day at work yesterday (I'm a nurse). This little snake gives me something to look forward to each day. She hangs out in my robe pocket while I make coffee, then she sits in my hand while I drink it until she gets tired of that, and then she hangs out in my sleeve. She's so gentle and cute and playful-- and most of the time she's very calm! I never thought I'd bond with a snake, and I never thought a snake would bond with me. :-)

I discovered the snake-therapy thing when my daughter bought a nearly full grown BP. She happens to be very snappy and bitey-- I don't think she was handled much before we got her. But what started as being part of the family effort to hold her and tame her turned into therapy for me! I realized that the gentle pressure of squeezing on my arms was very calming, similar to a weighted blanket effect. And they are so gentle as they slither, and "taste test" with their tongues. And you have to be calm so they stay calm.

So after that snake became tame and my daughter was bonded with her and feeling possessive, I bought Noodle my albino ratsnake in May when she was very tiny. Last month I acquired Spot, a banana BP because I realized that they have different ways that they move and grip. While Noodle is very gentle, Spot and our other BP have a firmer squeeze. They also have a nice heavy weight and are happy to sit in my lap longer than Noodle, and I will sit and knit and watch TV with Spot in my lap. :-)

When my daughter, who is 14 and has a connective tissue disorder, endured her third surgery this summer, the first "person" she would let touch her post-surgical knee was her snake. The snake was so gentle.

Anyway, I am sure I am not alone in my depression, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has discovered "snake therapy." I would love to talk about this with others. :-)

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

... And you have to be calm so they stay calm....

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I've kept snakes for many years, starting when I had a very stressful career. While I don't have depression issues, I've always noticed the very same thing! Most pets
have therapeutic benefits, like lowering blood pressure, that the medical community has acknowledged for years. But in working with snakes, since they're not domestic
or inclined to trust humans, some of them need more help than others. I found they have that effect on me too...isn't it great? :D And in giving them needed medical
care, when I am so focused on helping them, they somehow seem to pick up on that & don't fight or bite. It can feel a bit magical at times...as if we're thinking with one
mind. I've even meditated while handling a nervous snake with great results...again, the calming effect gets their trust, but it's truly a "win-win".

You are the first person I've come across that has mentioned this...I'm so glad you brought it up. :snake:

I agree with you, snakes calm me down and have a soothing effect on me... while other pets stress me out, like my wife's dog :rolleye2:

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Originally Posted by Bogertophis

I've kept snakes for many years, starting when I had a very stressful career. While I don't have depression issues, I've always noticed the very same thing! Most pets
have therapeutic benefits, like lowering blood pressure, that the medical community has acknowledged for years. But in working with snakes, since they're not domestic
or inclined to trust humans, some of them need more help than others. I found they have that effect on me too...isn't it great? :D And in giving them needed medical
care, when I am so focused on helping them, they somehow seem to pick up on that & don't fight or bite. It can feel a bit magical at times...as if we're thinking with one
mind. I've even meditated while handling a nervous snake with great results...again, the calming effect gets their trust, but it's truly a "win-win".

You are the first person I've come across that has mentioned this...I'm so glad you brought it up. :snake:

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What you say about snakes seeming to pick up on us helping them-- so true! When my daughter's BP had her first shed with us it was awful. She had not been kept in the best conditions at all. She had like a million pieces stuck on her and eye caps stuck on, etc. We had to soak her and then rub the skin off with warm washcloths. Even though she was at that time an extremely bitey snake (like, would randomly just bite and draw blood!), she calmed down and let us help her. It was truly magical. Recently she had another shed where a large strip was stuck on the top of her neck. Again she calmed and let my daughter help her get that off. And the snake has also learned to trust and is much less bitey now and more of a nice pleasant pet.

Some sort of inexplicable cosmic connection....they seem to work well as a conduit for draining away negative energy. (Not sure what they do with it - doesn't seem to bother them.)

My gut feeling says it has something to do with our mind-body connection...that when our thoughts are purely good & helpful intentions, that it comes
across to animals in the way we touch them. And when we subliminally communicate that sense of safety, we also receive it back. I just know it's cool.

Great topic! While I don’t have depression issues, I do have job related stress. Handling the snakes is calming. You have to be slow and easy with them, and as they gently move around it is very soothing, so you both end up calm. I like to watch their movements and feel them crawl around, plus the texture of their scales is cool. Some of my young bp’s feel almost silky, while the larger snakes feel kind of slick, and then there’s my Solomon Island ground boa who has keeled scales and is almost like sandpaper.

I found the same thing with the cats I used to have, both older and happy to cuddle, so very relaxing to pet. Plus their warmth and purring was soothing. My brother’s dog on the other hand keeps me on my toes. He’s a cute teacup poodle (rescue). He’ll mostly sit by you for pets until he gets bored, then you constantly have to watch him to make sure he doesn’t run amok and pee on anything. Not relaxing with whole house carpeting. :weirdface

I totally agree with everyone on this topic. I definitely feel at ease when handling my snakes, especially my boa's. All of my stress from the day seems to just melt away and I am at a relaxed state of mind. And my snakes since that calmness as well because they are all chill as well.... Its an awesome feeling! :thumbsup:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

I struggle with depression, and especially on mornings like this when my partner and kids have left the house, and I have a day off after a tough day at work yesterday (I'm a nurse). This little snake gives me something to look forward to each day. She hangs out in my robe pocket while I make coffee, then she sits in my hand while I drink it until she gets tired of that, and then she hangs out in my sleeve. She's so gentle and cute and playful-- and most of the time she's very calm! I never thought I'd bond with a snake, and I never thought a snake would bond with me. :-)

I discovered the snake-therapy thing when my daughter bought a nearly full grown BP. She happens to be very snappy and bitey-- I don't think she was handled much before we got her. But what started as being part of the family effort to hold her and tame her turned into therapy for me! I realized that the gentle pressure of squeezing on my arms was very calming, similar to a weighted blanket effect. And they are so gentle as they slither, and "taste test" with their tongues. And you have to be calm so they stay calm.

So after that snake became tame and my daughter was bonded with her and feeling possessive, I bought Noodle my albino ratsnake in May when she was very tiny. Last month I acquired Spot, a banana BP because I realized that they have different ways that they move and grip. While Noodle is very gentle, Spot and our other BP have a firmer squeeze. They also have a nice heavy weight and are happy to sit in my lap longer than Noodle, and I will sit and knit and watch TV with Spot in my lap. :-)

When my daughter, who is 14 and has a connective tissue disorder, endured her third surgery this summer, the first "person" she would let touch her post-surgical knee was her snake. The snake was so gentle.

Anyway, I am sure I am not alone in my depression, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has discovered "snake therapy." I would love to talk about this with others. :-)

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I’m so sorry to hear you, like so many others, suffer from depression. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I have always had pets as I feel they really help with my anxiety/depression. It’s such an amazing feeling to have another being to care for and love on.

Unrelated to snakes, but have you looked into CBD oil? I’m not going to go into it (but feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it), but it helps me immensely. I’m also a professional, and my job can be stressful, but it really helps to calm me. Just thought I’d mention it in the event you haven’t heard of it. Amazing stuff.


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I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!

I unfortunately rehomed all my animals years ago when I was unable to care for them. I could barely keep myself alive, let alone my animals. That was one of the VERY few smart things I did in 15 years...


After getting clean and sober and starting to get settled into my new life I realized I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to get a fish tank. Then I started getting back into snakes once my girlfriend agreed to me having a snake in the house.

I love my fish, don't get me wrong, but my snakes are my "medicine" most days. There's just something about them that makes me feel peaceful and tranquil. When one of the snakes is out I just generally feel much more relaxed and calm. The way they move, the mystique they have about them, the way they feel...it fascinates me.

I used to say "the only thing better than drugs is more drugs"...now I say "the only thing better than snakes is more snakes"!!!! Hahahaha!!


OP, THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!

Another great thread.....and very true!

I suffer with depression as well. The stress of the day disappears the moment I get home and check on my snakes and mice. When the depression first started about 10 years ago, alcohol was the temporary fix. I don’t touch the stuff now and haven’t for years. These days I come home and tend to my snakes, watch the mice scamper about their cage. That’s enough to bring some happiness to me.


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Originally Posted by Jessibelle

I’m so sorry to hear you, like so many others, suffer from depression. I also suffer from depression and anxiety. I have always had pets as I feel they really help with my anxiety/depression. It’s such an amazing feeling to have another being to care for and love on.

Unrelated to snakes, but have you looked into CBD oil? I’m not going to go into it (but feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it), but it helps me immensely. I’m also a professional, and my job can be stressful, but it really helps to calm me. Just thought I’d mention it in the event you haven’t heard of it. Amazing stuff.


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I'm also sorry to hear you struggle. I wish more people would talk about it and not feel ashamed or embarrassed. So thank you. :-)

I have seen CBD and related products help so many people, but they are not for me. For one I'd probably get fired from my job LOL I am a nurse. I also have never liked to take things that make me feel "altered" in any way, it just makes me feel I'm losing control. I don't even drink or take cold meds unless I really have to (the cold meds, not the drinking LOL). I do take a mild anti-depressant which works pretty well, supplemented with Acetyl L-Carnitine, exercise, making absolutely sure I go to bed on time, and remembering to be thankful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!

I unfortunately rehomed all my animals years ago when I was unable to care for them. I could barely keep myself alive, let alone my animals. That was one of the VERY few smart things I did in 15 years...


After getting clean and sober and starting to get settled into my new life I realized I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to get a fish tank. Then I started getting back into snakes once my girlfriend agreed to me having a snake in the house.

I love my fish, don't get me wrong, but my snakes are my "medicine" most days. There's just something about them that makes me feel peaceful and tranquil. When one of the snakes is out I just generally feel much more relaxed and calm. The way they move, the mystique they have about them, the way they feel...it fascinates me.

I used to say "the only thing better than drugs is more drugs"...now I say "the only thing better than snakes is more snakes"!!!! Hahahaha!!


OP, THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!

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Awesome!! Congrats on 6 years of sobriety! And I agree that was a very selfless thing to to think of your pets and rehome them, even in the midst of not being able to care for yourself. Sounds like you have a great heart!

My partner is also a recovering alcoholic (2+years) and I know it's a tough battle and it's one you have to keep on track with every day.

I really think there is something about the snakes that makes them so therapeutic. I wish people weren't as scared of them and gave them a chance.

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Originally Posted by Jbabycsx

I suffer with depression as well. The stress of the day disappears the moment I get home and check on my snakes and mice. When the depression first started about 10 years ago, alcohol was the temporary fix. I don’t touch the stuff now and haven’t for years. These days I come home and tend to my snakes, watch the mice scamper about their cage. That’s enough to bring some happiness to me.


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That's a happy picture to visualize! :-) Yeah alcohol is so dangerous to us folks who suffer from melancholy. I wish there was not such a stigma to getting help.

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

I'm also sorry to hear you struggle. I wish more people would talk about it and not feel ashamed or embarrassed. So thank you. :-)

I have seen CBD and related products help so many people, but they are not for me. For one I'd probably get fired from my job LOL I am a nurse. I also have never liked to take things that make me feel "altered" in any way, it just makes me feel I'm losing control. I don't even drink or take cold meds unless I really have to (the cold meds, not the drinking LOL). I do take a mild anti-depressant which works pretty well, supplemented with Acetyl L-Carnitine, exercise, making absolutely sure I go to bed on time, and remembering to be thankful.

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Cannabidiol (CBD) oil does not have make you high or feel altered at all. There are trace amounts of THC (the mind altering substance contained in marijuana) in CBD oil, so it will not get you high or make you feel altered. It’s legal in every state and federally. This is a good article, if you’re interested. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php

I’m the same way about medication and only take ibuprofen if I’m in serious pain. I used to be on a lot of drugs for my depression and anxiety, but I wanted to get off of it and not be reliant on drugs anymore. I find that the CBD helps a lot so far!


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!

I...................
................
..............

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Congrats Craig! That is quite an accomplishment.

Stay in the fight. :)

Many years ago my daughter had extreme anxiety, which is why we got a Ball Python.

I had no idea on the real impact these gentle creatures made until my daughter left home and I was stuck with the care of the snake; the peacefulness and tranquility, so awesome. Then I became addicted! :)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...e236df52ca.jpg

Elvira, 2001 Normal

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jessibelle

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil does not have make you high or feel altered at all. There are trace amounts of THC (the mind altering substance contained in marijuana) in CBD oil, so it will not get you high or make you feel altered. It’s legal in every state and federally. This is a good article, if you’re interested. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317221.php

I’m the same way about medication and only take ibuprofen if I’m in serious pain. I used to be on a lot of drugs for my depression and anxiety, but I wanted to get off of it and not be reliant on drugs anymore. I find that the CBD helps a lot so far!


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Thanks for the info and link! I would still probably be fired for taking it, because they are very strict where I work (hospice). I would be willing to try it sometime, based on what you said (about not feeling high or altered) but would definitely have to do more homework and clear it with work. I'm glad you found something that works well for you, and I'm glad the marijuana is availabe for my patients. It seems to help them. Even though it's legal to that that too, with a medical card, we are still not allowed to administer it to patients. We do allow the patients or families to give it to them on our units, though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!

I unfortunately rehomed all my animals years ago when I was unable to care for them. I could barely keep myself alive, let alone my animals. That was one of the VERY few smart things I did in 15 years...


After getting clean and sober and starting to get settled into my new life I realized I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to get a fish tank. Then I started getting back into snakes once my girlfriend agreed to me having a snake in the house.

I love my fish, don't get me wrong, but my snakes are my "medicine" most days. There's just something about them that makes me feel peaceful and tranquil. When one of the snakes is out I just generally feel much more relaxed and calm. The way they move, the mystique they have about them, the way they feel...it fascinates me.

I used to say "the only thing better than drugs is more drugs"...now I say "the only thing better than snakes is more snakes"!!!! Hahahaha!!


OP, THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!

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Congrats!
Fish and snakes just seem to go together.

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Originally Posted by distaff

Congrats!
Fish and snakes just seem to go together.

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Agree, but I hate fishing snakes out from under the bed. :D

My dad died about a year ago in a very horrible way...My mom saw me sitting around and asked me if I wanted to get a pet to help me through my grief. I don't know if I have depression but I am often unhappy and I feel like I might have it. We were going to get a dog but I went to a Petsmart, saw the ball pythons, and asked to hold one. I liked them and knew that if we got a dog mom would be complaining and stuff and it might not work out. Before my dad died I had asked him for one and he said maybe if he got his own apartment. I kinda forgot about it because it didn't look like that would happen anytime soon. Anyways when I got home from a vacation that I was on I ordered my baby boy Sherman with the money dad left behind. Dad still got me that snake he said he might get me and I like thinking of it like that. I often wish he could meet Sherman. He calms me when I am nervous and when I'm sad he provides companionship. I love him. Snakes have become one of my favorite animals. I'm happy that they have helped you guys and I wish more people would see that they aren't horrible creatures.

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Originally Posted by Sharon&Sherman

My dad died about a year ago in a very horrible way...My mom saw me sitting around and asked me if I wanted to get a pet to help me through my grief. I don't know if I have depression but I am often unhappy and I feel like I might have it. We were going to get a dog but I went to a Petsmart, saw the ball pythons, and asked to hold one. I liked them and knew that if we got a dog mom would be complaining and stuff and it might not work out. Before my dad died I had asked him for one and he said maybe if he got his own apartment. I kinda forgot about it because it didn't look like that would happen anytime soon. Anyways when I got home from a vacation that I was on I ordered my baby boy Sherman with the money dad left behind. Dad still got me that snake he said he might get me and I like thinking of it like that. I often wish he could meet Sherman. He calms me when I am nervous and when I'm sad he provides companionship. I love him. Snakes have become one of my favorite animals. I'm happy that they have helped you guys and I wish more people would see that they aren't horrible creatures.

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Ohhhh my goodness! This is so touching! I'm so sorry for your loss of your father, and I'm glad that he bought you that snake! :-)

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Originally Posted by Sharon&Sherman

My dad died about a year ago in a very horrible way...My mom saw me sitting around and asked me if I wanted to get a pet to help me through my grief. I don't know if I have depression but I am often unhappy and I feel like I might have it. We were going to get a dog but I went to a Petsmart, saw the ball pythons, and asked to hold one. I liked them and knew that if we got a dog mom would be complaining and stuff and it might not work out. Before my dad died I had asked him for one and he said maybe if he got his own apartment. I kinda forgot about it because it didn't look like that would happen anytime soon. Anyways when I got home from a vacation that I was on I ordered my baby boy Sherman with the money dad left behind. Dad still got me that snake he said he might get me and I like thinking of it like that. I often wish he could meet Sherman. He calms me when I am nervous and when I'm sad he provides companionship. I love him. Snakes have become one of my favorite animals. I'm happy that they have helped you guys and I wish more people would see that they aren't horrible creatures.

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I'm so sorry about the loss of your dad and I'm glad that having Sherman is helping you. Pets can do so much for us...especially the "right ones" that are low-key and
just "there" for us. But if you come to realize that you need more than Sherman can do, there's nothing wrong with talking to someone also...it doesn't have to be just
one or the other. And we're glad to have you join us here too, but of course we're not professional counselors.

I love my dogs, but they need far more maintenance than a snake- every day, & all day long you have to be sure their needs are met. A snake was a fortunate choice,
& a sweet way to remember your dad too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sharon&Sherman

My dad died about a year ago in a very horrible way...My mom saw me sitting around and asked me if I wanted to get a pet to help me through my grief. I don't know if I have depression but I am often unhappy and I feel like I might have it. We were going to get a dog but I went to a Petsmart, saw the ball pythons, and asked to hold one. I liked them and knew that if we got a dog mom would be complaining and stuff and it might not work out. Before my dad died I had asked him for one and he said maybe if he got his own apartment. I kinda forgot about it because it didn't look like that would happen anytime soon. Anyways when I got home from a vacation that I was on I ordered my baby boy Sherman with the money dad left behind. Dad still got me that snake he said he might get me and I like thinking of it like that. I often wish he could meet Sherman. He calms me when I am nervous and when I'm sad he provides companionship. I love him. Snakes have become one of my favorite animals. I'm happy that they have helped you guys and I wish more people would see that they aren't horrible creatures.

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Thank you so much for sharing this story. I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, my best wishes are being sent your way.

That is SUPER cool that you decided to purchase a new pet and your dad was able to buy your snake after all. I'm sure a part of your dad is living on through your snake and will live on for many years to come.

Again, thanks for sharing this story. You truly warmed my heart this morning. I wish you and Sherman all the best moving forward.

I just wanted to add to this thread-- if anyone needs to talk about anything, I'm a good listener and I understand what it's like to struggle. You can PM me any time.

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Originally Posted by FollowTheSun

I just wanted to add to this thread-- if anyone needs to talk about anything, I'm a good listener and I understand what it's like to struggle. You can PM me any time.

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Very cool.

I'm also happy to listen, talk, whatever anybody needs.
Please feel free to PM me as well. Whether it's you that struggling, a loved one, whatever. I couldn't do it alone, and nobody else should have to either.

me too :)

Coming back from Iraq in 2006 and then dealing with the transition from military life to civilian life wasn’t an easy task for me. I found myself drinking (never did drugs) a lot more and ended up talking to my psychologist and psychiatrist and found myself with depression and anxiety with adjustment disorder. Years later I divorced my wife of 4 years and came out of the closet...lol yea scariest time of my life...even Iraq was better then this. And then right back into an abusive relationship that I was blindly used for my money and finical stability for 3 years....I lost everything! Two appts, 3 cars, and myself......I finally broke away and moved back with Mom and dad was still having mental problems. I ended up one night going on a bender....black out drunk, the only thing I remember was the airbag hitting my face. I had totaled two cars because I ran a red light. It still haunts me 8 years later. And I can admit I have a problem but it’s a demon that it’s my own. I still fight the depression and I tell you what...my Ramsey was the first thanks to my amazing husband and I go into my reptile room now and fall in love with them like it was the first day. They are my anxiety relief and they are my medicine. And I can’t thank my husband enough for that! Just wanted to share this because I feel comfortable. Yes I am a combat US Marine because I did bring up Iraq. And tbh there are times I wish I was back in because I still to this day hate civilian life. [emoji23]


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Originally Posted by Aerries

Coming back from Iraq in 2006 and then dealing with the transition from military life to civilian life wasn’t an easy task for me. I found myself drinking (never did drugs) a lot more and ended up talking to my psychologist and psychiatrist and found myself with depression and anxiety with adjustment disorder. Years later I divorced my wife of 4 years and came out of the closet...lol yea scariest time of my life...even Iraq was better then this. And then right back into an abusive relationship that I was blindly used for my money and finical stability for 3 years....I lost everything! Two appts, 3 cars, and myself......I finally broke away and moved back with Mom and dad was still having mental problems. I ended up one night going on a bender....black out drunk, the only thing I remember was the airbag hitting my face. I had totaled two cars because I ran a red light. It still haunts me 8 years later. And I can admit I have a problem but it’s a demon that it’s my own. I still fight the depression and I tell you what...my Ramsey was the first thanks to my amazing husband and I go into my reptile room now and fall in love with them like it was the first day. They are my anxiety relief and they are my medicine. And I can’t thank my husband enough for that! Just wanted to share this because I feel comfortable. Yes I am a combat US Marine because I did bring up Iraq. And tbh there are times I wish I was back in because I still to this day hate civilian life. [emoji23]


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A lot of my military friends that served in combat are the same way...easier to cope with the known than readjust to “normal” stateside. Congratulations on the progress you’ve made as well as finding and freeing yourself...and best wishes for continued success. Each day is a new day. If today doesn’t go so well, there’s always tomorrow to try again.

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Originally Posted by Aerries

Coming back from Iraq in 2006 and then dealing with the transition from military life to civilian life wasn’t an easy task for me. I found myself drinking (never did drugs) a lot more and ended up talking to my psychologist and psychiatrist and found myself with depression and anxiety with adjustment disorder. Years later I divorced my wife of 4 years and came out of the closet...lol yea scariest time of my life...even Iraq was better then this. And then right back into an abusive relationship that I was blindly used for my money and finical stability for 3 years....I lost everything! Two appts, 3 cars, and myself......I finally broke away and moved back with Mom and dad was still having mental problems. I ended up one night going on a bender....black out drunk, the only thing I remember was the airbag hitting my face. I had totaled two cars because I ran a red light. It still haunts me 8 years later. And I can admit I have a problem but it’s a demon that it’s my own. I still fight the depression and I tell you what...my Ramsey was the first thanks to my amazing husband and I go into my reptile room now and fall in love with them like it was the first day. They are my anxiety relief and they are my medicine. And I can’t thank my husband enough for that! Just wanted to share this because I feel comfortable. Yes I am a combat US Marine because I did bring up Iraq. And tbh there are times I wish I was back in because I still to this day hate civilian life. [emoji23]


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I've "known" you for a few years on the forum, but had never heard you share that.

Thanks for sharing. And a huge thanks for your service!!:salute:

Keep your head held high, my friend. You've shown extreme strength and courage as a marine, and by revealing your "true" self in a society that still ignorantly and unfairly makes that difficult beyond my own imagination.

I salute you, applaud you, and offer you my utmost respect. I'd shake your hand and give you a big hug if I could, but its a long way to FL, hahaha. But seriously, if you ever need an ear, feel free to send me a PM.

Thanks again!!!

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Originally Posted by Aerries

Coming back from Iraq in 2006 and then dealing with the transition from military life to civilian life wasn’t an easy task for me. I found myself drinking (never did drugs) a lot more and ended up talking to my psychologist and psychiatrist and found myself with depression and anxiety with adjustment disorder. Years later I divorced my wife of 4 years and came out of the closet...lol yea scariest time of my life...even Iraq was better then this. And then right back into an abusive relationship that I was blindly used for my money and finical stability for 3 years....I lost everything! Two appts, 3 cars, and myself......I finally broke away and moved back with Mom and dad was still having mental problems. I ended up one night going on a bender....black out drunk, the only thing I remember was the airbag hitting my face. I had totaled two cars because I ran a red light. It still haunts me 8 years later. And I can admit I have a problem but it’s a demon that it’s my own. I still fight the depression and I tell you what...my Ramsey was the first thanks to my amazing husband and I go into my reptile room now and fall in love with them like it was the first day. They are my anxiety relief and they are my medicine. And I can’t thank my husband enough for that! Just wanted to share this because I feel comfortable. Yes I am a combat US Marine because I did bring up Iraq. And tbh there are times I wish I was back in because I still to this day hate civilian life. [emoji23]


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It sounds like it's been a long soul-searching journey for you. You, sir, are a national treasure and deserve the utmost recognition for that. You have friends here. My partner is a recovering alcoholic, my two children are both gay (and thanks you people like you paving the way, they can marry whomever they choose someday), and my grandfather is a Marine WW2 and Korean War (Chosin Reservoir) veteran. What you have been through is remarkable, both military and state side. Thank you for telling your story. I think struggles with mental health issues are far more common than people think, and every time one of us tells our story it makes it okay for others to accept their own mental health issues, or for them to accept those of a loved one. It's time to have more open conversations about this. Thank you.

I suffer from depression and anxiety, with anxiety being a much bigger issue for me.

I find the snakes, and reptiles in general, cathartic for me in two main ways.

First, they rely on me for everything. I am responsible for creating a stable and appropriate environment for them. I am responsible for providing food and water. Ultimately I am responsible for keeping them healthy and caring for them if either I fail to do that and they become ill, or on the off chance they become ill anyway, or GET LOST BY FEDEX IN INDY!!!!!!!! and I have to nurse them back to health for two months while they are near death and I am a nervous wreck (Yafe!!!!). Anyway, I digressed.

For some people, this is a G-D complex thing, but for me, not at all. For me it's a proud papa thing. Modern technology (great thermostats, heating elements, modern tank materials and manufacturing techniques, etc) have made creating a proper environment easy (once you learn what "proper is for each animal/species, etc, but that's part fo the fun of keeping multiple species). My Boaphile Plastics tanks have made keeping 12 reptiles easier than it used to be to keep 3. Anyway, for me it's about taking care of them. Give them what they need to thrive. I take pride in that.

A lot of being depressed and anxious is feeling out of control and helpless. Caring for my pets, especially the reptiles (much simpler than the dogs - they have their own agenda and having 5 means they are pack, etc), gives me both a sense of purpose and control. It gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning even when I don't feel like it. Every day I get out of bed and check temps, general tank status, etc. It takes 3 minutes. If tanks need cleanup, etc. I usually do that later in the day when I can devote 20-30 minutes to it and to spending a little time with the crew as well.

The caring for them gives me the purpose. The being able to create the right environment for them, keep them healthy, keep them happy, etc. gives me a sense of control. The world is crazy, it's often out of control, there are many external factors that there is nothing I can do about. Even with my health situation, and my kidney transplant, and my one kidney being stable, but not at an ideal level, and the ancillary issues, and the meds, etc. Lots I can't control. However, very little time and very little effort equals 12 happy and healthy reptiles. That makes me feel that at least some things are very much, even if not 100%, in my control.

All of the above helps the anxiety and depression.

Secondly, the interaction(s) with the reptiles definitely helps to calm and ground me.

They set petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure. I agree and I do that. However, I get the same feeling and body response from holding a snake or lizard, etc. The way a snake, especially, moves through my hands, around my shoulders, etc. is very calming for me. Additionally, it's very cathartic and helps clear my mind. I like activities that when I am doing them, it's difficult to think about other things, or alternatively, easy to think about what you are doing.

When I interact with the animals, I am focused on them and not on other things that I am anxious about or worried about or depressed about. In all those ways, they help me clear my mind and often break the cycle of anxiety and perpetuation that my mind is in.

Just want to point out something for those of you with both anxiety and depression; some antidepressants can cause anxiety. Sometimes the anxiety tapers off, sometimes not. This is common knowledge for psychiatrists, but many General Practitioners overlook it.

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Originally Posted by dakski

Secondly, the interaction(s) with the reptiles definitely helps to calm and ground me.

They set petting a dog or cat lowers blood pressure. I agree and I do that. However, I get the same feeling and body response from holding a snake or lizard, etc. The way a snake, especially, moves through my hands, around my shoulders, etc. is very calming for me. Additionally, it's very cathartic and helps clear my mind. I like activities that when I am doing them, it's difficult to think about other things, or alternatively, easy to think about what you are doing.

When I interact with the animals, I am focused on them and not on other things that I am anxious about or worried about or depressed about. In all those ways, they help me clear my mind and often break the cycle of anxiety and perpetuation that my mind is in.

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Yes, exactly!!

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Originally Posted by craigafrechette

I have depression and anxiety issues and am an alcoholic and drug addict who will be celebrating 6 years clean and sober next week!!

I unfortunately rehomed all my animals years ago when I was unable to care for them. I could barely keep myself alive, let alone my animals. That was one of the VERY few smart things I did in 15 years...


After getting clean and sober and starting to get settled into my new life I realized I needed something to keep my mind busy and decided to get a fish tank. Then I started getting back into snakes once my girlfriend agreed to me having a snake in the house.

I love my fish, don't get me wrong, but my snakes are my "medicine" most days. There's just something about them that makes me feel peaceful and tranquil. When one of the snakes is out I just generally feel much more relaxed and calm. The way they move, the mystique they have about them, the way they feel...it fascinates me.

I used to say "the only thing better than drugs is more drugs"...now I say "the only thing better than snakes is more snakes"!!!! Hahahaha!!


OP, THANKS FOR STARTING THIS THREAD!!

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Yes my BP relaxes my when I hold him
I have to confess....In my mind I always thought snakes were not very smart. I was wrong! He helps when I have bad days.
I recently started having anxiety like I have never experienced before and it SUCKS.

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Originally Posted by Jellybeans

Yes my BP relaxes my when I hold him
I have to confess....In my mind I always thought snakes were not very smart. I was wrong! He helps when I have bad days.
I recently started having anxiety like I have never experienced before and it SUCKS.

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Are you in therapy? Cognitive behavioral therapy has helped me a LOT with anxiety and depression. Hope the anxiety gets better soon. Exercise helps with that, too. I don't think some things really ever go away or are cured, but at least they can be managed and coped with so we can put those in the background and live our lives.

Kind of just about pets helping with depression/anxiety:

I had a major depressive episode a few years ago and honestly went bat---- insane on my friends to top it off, and had a very skewed perception of my behavior and of other people. That was when I already had three snakes and unfortunately, for me personally, they didn't help a whole lot. But I still took care of them and found it comforting when I did.

What really helped me significantly (and that I now wouldn't consider myself with depression at all) was actually 1. moving back to my family's house instead of living alone, and 2. getting a large, active dog for myself (though I got her as a puppy, even better LOL). The dog made a HUGE difference, a working line german shepherd, because she requires so much of my time and thought and dedication, unlike my snakes or other pets. We train for dog sports and competitive obedience, so raising her was practically a full-time job. The dog puts me on clear daily schedule of when to take her out, when to train her, when to exercise her, socialize her, and when to put her to bed- and this is nearly every single day without a break, there is no slacking. And of course, she's attached to me and shows the emotional intuitiveness and intelligence that reptiles can't show. I work from home, so she is with me literally 24/7.

I doubt it's the same for everyone since I know the amount of "work" a large active dog requires daily actually stresses some people out instead of helping, but I concluded it's really one of my foundations for a happy life.

My little Crowley helps wonders for my depression. Anytime I have a long stressful day, he comes out that night to cheer me up. He's just such a perfect pet and he makes me happy everyday I see him.

I struggle mightily with depression and anxiety. Snakes are 100% my outlet. They are the only thing in the world that make me forget completely about anything negative going on on the other side of the door of the reptile room. Snakes are miracle workers, they don't give an emotional response, but they are captivating and inquisitive and it just makes everything else melt away. I thank my lucky stars every day that I discovered this hobby and it has really saved me more times than I can count. Snake therapy is soooooo real!