Will chickens help my depression?

[sourland]

John, as you well know the roller coaster ride of emotions is a result of the illness. Two words: medication, counseling - do it sooner rather than later. Trust me when I say, I know how devastating this is for your wife. As you have said on several occasions this illness touches all who are involved and love you.

 

[Bunnylady]

JP, that lady of yours is a keeper! Some days I wonder how in the world my husband puts up with me, but I am ever so grateful that he does. He's on my team, just like she's on yours. Hang in there - together.

 

[JohnPeel]

I agree. She said to me today that I am a very luck man and need to focus on that more. I am 49 and have a lovely wife who looks after me, 2 lovely teenage daughters who have really nice boyfriends, a nice home with no mortgage, and no debts.

Now you see, as I am writing that, I can see how great that seems, but when I move away from the screen, it seems to fade away somewhat. It's a strange thing depression. God knows what I would be like if I had some real problems other than depression itself. You guys have been great to me here, and I just want to say thanks. Thanks

 

[Stacykins]

I've struggled with some pretty severe depression these past few years. It went untreated for a while and I withdrew into my shell with nothing but my misery to keep me company. The trigger was loosing my full college scholarship at a prestigious university during my Junior year. My life and goals fell apart after that, since I'd based all my plans on graduating from that Nursing program. I failed a few classes, then I lost my job, had to withdraw from the university. My mother was the one who asked me to seek help. I used to talk with her at least a few days a week, and when I hadn't said a word to any family for a few months, it was obvious something was wrong. The only reason she knew I was still breathing was because of my housemates, she had their phone numbers. I just wouldn't respond to any calls, emails, texts, etc.

Yes, medication and counseling definitely helps. But what helps me the most is my chickens and goats. They ARE my best medication. I cannot fail them. I can't go a day without taking care of them, or else they suffer. And if they suffer, I suffer. They keep me on a schedule, too. I have to take care of them. And they give me so much joy spending time with them. I love just sitting out there and being with them. They complete me

They've helped me piece my life back together. I've taken a few classes at a community college now. I've got a new job that pays well. Could I have put myself back on the right track of life and depression management without the animals? Probably, but they've been a massive help.

 

[1muttsfan]

John, she sounds really sweet. Us girls really love a few flowers from a guy - it really cheers us up when things are tough. Just sayin'.

 

[3goodeggs]

John, she sounds really sweet. Us girls really love a few flowers from a guy - it really cheers us up when things are tough. Just sayin'.

Yes. indeed. Letting her understand- that you understand- how difficult you are to understand goes a long way. (...and from the convolution of that last sentence, it is obvious that My hubby is very understanding.

)

 

[JohnPeel]

Flowers it is then!

 

[venus]

And don't forget to tell her you love her and say "thank you". She needs to know you know. A thank you goes a long long way, especially when accompanied with a smile!

 

[tgooberbutt]

John - you doing okay? How are the chickens? Has your daughter named one yet?

 

[JohnPeel]

OK its been 2 weeks since we got the chooks, and stage 2 to freeranging is underway. I have built a little pen just for now, so that they can get used to being a little be further away from their coop, and they can see the rest of the garden. I will tuck them up in their coop at night, and let them out every day for about a month, then I will think about removing the netting over the pen which will give them the option of jumping over if they want. They love this extra bit of space.