Finding Solace: My Dog’s Impact on My Journey Through Depression and Anxiety
Divine Intervention
After my mother died I asked my cousin if I could “borrow” her dog to help with my grief. I needed help getting out of bed, getting out of my head and not be a blob on the couch all day. No matter how hard I tried, I did not have the energy to move forward.
I don’t have a partner or kids to be responsible for which can be a blessing and a curse with major depression and generalized anxiety. My cousin’s dog gave me purpose, but sadly, she already had a home and needed to be returned at some point.
During a visit to the groomer for Perla (my cousin’s dog) I ran into a beautiful black Lab mix 3 month old puppy. She wagged her tail so fast she was going to fall over, I instantly fell in love. I was approached by the owner while I was verbally playing with the puppy, when he offered her to me for FREE!!!
I quickly said yes to an offer that changed my life, a change I most definitely see coming into my life.
Meet Oreo
Oreo has a white chest and the rest of her body is black, she is just like a little oreo. She is full of energy and is always ready to play and eat. Everything and I mean EVERYTHING is a toy and an opportunity to play.
She can be extremely needy, which at times can be VERY annoying but if I am honest with myself it is what I need to get myself outside of myself. Depression and anxiety can leave you in tunnel vision alone in your own head. Creating more negative and hopeless thoughts.
She loves to play, and has the energy to play ALL day long, with breaks for eating of course hahaha. She is 1 years old now and even since she was a puppy, nipping on EVERYTHING has been her “thing”. For a few weeks I was scared she would turn her desire to nip on everything into biting me and other. But she is so playful, sweet and gentle, that malicious biting is the last thought in her dog brain.
Oreo’s World
A day in the life of Oreo, wide awake and ready to eat and play at 5am, she wakes up and let me know she needs to be let out of the room. If she has made a mess in the living room because its a hard day for me to get out of bed, she lovingly whimpers and lets me know to go clean it.
Every time I am about to burst in tears she will bark for me to take her out or to give her love and attention. Both change my energy and shift it from darkness to love. I am fascinated by it every time it happens.
The Dog and Human Connection
The connection between dogs and humans is a deep and enduring one that has evolved over thousands of years. This connection can be summarized in several key aspects:
- Companionship: Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” for a reason. They have been domesticated for companionship, and their loyalty and affection create strong emotional bonds with their human owners.
2. Emotional Support: Dogs have an uncanny ability to sense and respond to human emotions. They provide comfort, reduce stress, and offer unconditional love, making them valuable emotional support animals.
3. Work and Utility: Throughout history, dogs have served various practical roles, such as hunting, herding, guarding, and assisting people with disabilities. These roles have strengthened the human-dog partnership.
4. Therapeutic Benefits: Dogs are used in therapy and rehabilitation settings to help individuals cope with physical and mental health challenges. They provide motivation and aid in the healing process.
5. Social Interaction: Owning a dog can facilitate social interaction and community-building. Dog owners often connect with one another, fostering a sense of belonging and shared interests.
6. Exercise and Activity: Dogs encourage physical activity through activities like walking and playing, promoting a healthier lifestyle for their owners.
7. Nonverbal Communication: The connection between humans and dogs often relies on nonverbal communication, including body language, gestures, and vocal cues, which enhance the bond.
8. Unconditional Love: Dogs provide love and acceptance without judgment, making humans feel valued and appreciated, which is especially important in times of loneliness or stress.
9. Trust and Dependability: The reliability of dogs in their roles as protectors, guides, and loyal companions builds a strong sense of trust between humans and dogs.
I have suffered from major depression and generalized anxiety for 7 years and I have never felt so supported now with Oreo. She give me purpose, I have to feed her, take her out for relief and exercise her.
Though all this responsibility can be overwhelming on days I barely wan to be alive but all that responsibility give me purpose, give me hope for the future and opens my heart right up.
If you have any mental health concerns, get help, get support, speak your needs and take care of something/one other than yourself. Purpose brings light into your darkness.
