Treatment of depression with a parrot =)

Hello to all! Tell me, what do you think about treating depression with animals? Specifically, birds and parrots. Perhaps you have experience in this matter? Thanks!

I'm not entirely sure what you mean, but if you're thinking along the lines of PAT (pets as therapy) animals I don't think birds and parrots automatically lend themselves to this "work". I don't feel that generally they have the consistent temperament or love of cuddles that mammals have (don't get me wrong, I adore parrots, but they are far from perfect for all situations!) and I think this is an important part of the effects of reducing depression.

If you're thinking about ownership for people who have depression I have heard people having both views that they literally give people a reason to get up in the morning, but also that they put in immense amount of pressure on people who already can feel overwhelmed and guilty that they're "not doing enough".

If I've completely misread it and you mean treating animals who have depression, then I'm sorry, I have nothing to contribute, but thank you for your time!!!

I don't think it's a good idea to purchase an animal with the idea in mind that it might 'treat' or help one lift depression.

It might! Certainly! But it might not, and then the owner has a needy creature on his hands whose well-being depends entirely on him, whether he is well or not.

I was diagnosed with depression over forty years ago and it waxes and wanes. Sometimes, the techniques I've learned to combat it work, other times not. I can say that when depression's at its worst, I'm *so* glad to have family members who will help care for my birds when I simply can't step one foot in front of the other. The Beaks are easy enough for my kids to look after, but Rosetta's a different kettle of cockatoo. She *adores* me and is quite nippy toward anyone else. This means the kids get bitten rather nastily when they need to tend to her.

Having said that, though, I don't think I'd be lying if I said that corellas simply *must* be the funniest of all parrot species. Rosetta makes me laugh out loud every single day and is the most comical and inventive creature I've ever known. Her antics have helped all of us in so many ways and I understand why you ask your question.

The thing is, though, can you see the pitfalls? I'm outlining my own situation so it might throw some light on yours. It may be that you do have kids or a partner who can pitch in to help. I'd suggest that if you don't, it'd probably be better not to choose a bird as your companion. In fact, you might want to consider a reptile as these can provide remarkable affection but without the constant need of companionship in a bird. Most of us believe it's not fair to 'try' a bird as a companion and then simply pass it on to someone else if it doesn't work out. That would be like 'trying' a child and then surrendering it to foster care.

So, yeah. Just my 2c. I hope others have their own perspectives to offer you as well.

Here's a great thread about mental illness and owning parrots I started last year! Lots of great responses and insight.

When I first got my JoJo, I started having suffocating panic attacks! Took me a bit to understand what was happening and why!

If it wasn't for Amy I wouldn't be here typing this...




Jim

Actually, there is plenty documentation out there regarding pets benefiting your health, decreasing BP, decreasing cholesterol, anxiety and over all well-being. In addition, to animals detecting the onset of MI's (Heart Attacks) & Seizures etc...
The list is very long. Hence, the boom of 'Service Animals'.
I've read even fish are beneficial to your health.

Here is a good article:

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm

There's a lot more info on this subject out there.
Even though parrots are a lot of work, they can certainly benefit your health. The distraction alone is a biggie. Plus, when you are depressed the best pick me up, is to do for others. IMHO

Good Luck! :heart:

So happy to see a burgeoning understanding of therapeutic human-animal bond. During the early 1980s, my mom wanted to research the effects of companion animals on human relaxation and physical response for her Ph.D dissertation. Unfortunately the committee chair declined and sarcastically retorted, to paraphrase "What do you intend to prove, everybody should have a pet?"

There is no doubt companion animals are lifesavers for many. There is much reciprocity!

An animal is no substitute for good mental habits, but can create a very rewarding complementary therapeutic environment within which to manifest those habits.

Animals certainly help my depression, And Sunny made me much happier than I’d been for a while.. although he didn’t help my anxiety because I was constantly worried about him haha!!

the issue is, you have to want a parrot in general and love animals like crazy (almost in an obsessive way) for this no work(not just bc you like birds and are depressed). It is SO HARD to tend to their needs daily---esp if sick etc. I can see where they could be motivation to get out of bed and keep living, but I've known too many people with pets who still neglected them (despite love) or even committed suicide...

Scott said:

So happy to see a burgeoning understanding of therapeutic human-animal bond. During the early 1980s, my mom wanted to research the effects of companion animals on human relaxation and physical response for her Ph.D dissertation. Unfortunately the committee chair declined and sarcastically retorted, to paraphrase "What do you intend to prove, everybody should have a pet?"

There is no doubt companion animals are lifesavers for many. There is much reciprocity!

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Aaaa, the dangers of sarcasm. And, today that scholarly self-subscribed expert is buried in proof of your dear mom's grasp of the truth!!!

AmyMyBlueFront said:

If it wasn't for Amy I wouldn't be here typing this...

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I'm sure glad you've got Amy, then.

I originally wanted Yoda so I wouldn't feel so lonely... the fact that my boys are the best anti-depressants I use is a total bonus.