Play with your animals! Even when you’re depressed.

                         I have a cat named BiBi:

      She is a very lively kitty.  

        When I’m depressed, it’s hard for me to do many things. Work- karaoke with friends, work, creative endeavors. Lots of things. Another problem I have is that it’s very hard for me to play with BiBi. She needs attention, but it just seems like so much work when I’m depressed. It’s easier to just pet her a bit and then do my own thing. When you’re depressed, animals can be a great comfort.  I call then depression companions. The problem is that we can get really passive and forget to actually play with them. They need exercise and lively interaction, even when we feel too depressed to do anything.

I now give BiBi my undivided attention when I get home at night.  She is so happy to see me. I don’t want to let my depression get in the way of my relationships with people or my animals.

My dad has two dogs: Marcus and Molly.  They are great depression companions, but they need attention no matter what mood I’m in.  I believe we have to act lively around animals when we don’t feel lively. They deserve as much love as they so unconditionally give us! Julie 

                   I just received this comment from Annmaree:

Hi Julie, my  cat always keeps me company and amused with his funny ways!

He’s very vocal about telling me what he wants, food, outside, or play etc So I think they are absolutely a great help in combating depression and getting yourself more lively or active, even when you don’t want to!

I’m sure I’ve read studies that petting an animal makes you calmer and eases depression, just type in ‘animals help depression’ at google and the amount of info is amazing!!!     

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