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

[redshepherd]

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.