Pet therapy

[pandaeyes1]

I’ve been fluctuating a bit over the last few weeks. I know I’m being rash and impulsive, but I went down on my lexapro last week on my own without telling my psychiatrist. I’m so tired of being on meds and having this stupid tremor. I’ve noticed that the tremor has definitely gotten better since l went down. I’ve had some worsened suicidal ideations this week, but they’re nothing like before. My cat just crawled onto my chest and nestled into a nap. He hasn’t done this since he was a kitten because he’s so skittish. I burst into tears with a lot of confusing feelings. Don’t know if this is a good thing.

[MrZee]

Dear pandaeyes1,

Med adjustments are never easy. Gawd only knows I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been through that.

But I will say this, pets are proven to be one of the best sources for relieving stress, anxiety and depression.

I have 4 cats. They’re my babies. And their love is so unconditional.

Your kitty curling up on your lap was grace and gratitude. Your tears a cleansing gift.

I get teary from time to time. But I do know that’s my soul talking to and nurturing me.

Best,

MZ ❤️

[pandaeyes1 in reply to MrZee]

It’s so hard to be medicated and feel normal. I just feel like I won’t ever get better, and I’m so weak for needing them.

Definitely. My old cat in college used to know when I was sad and would come over and drape himself over me. My current cat is a little derpy, but he can be sweet. It makes me feel so alone at times that no one would care if I died.

[MrZee in reply to pandaeyes1]

Normal? What’s that? There’s no such thing as ‘normal.’ But there is a such thing as living.

I’ve been on antidepressants since 1986 and they’ve saved my life. From now to the last breath I take in life I’ll be on them. There’s no shame in that whatsoever.

Hold your ‘derpy’ cat close... he’s something wonderful to live for. ❤️

[pandaeyes1 in reply to MrZee]

He is wonderful. He’s bumping his head against my hand as I type.

I guess normal for me is not feeling like this stupid depression limits everything I do. Being on meds is so frustrating to me. I hate the side effects, but I can’t deny they do help some.

[MrZee in reply to pandaeyes1]

Yeah, the side effects can be a bummer at times. For instance, they increase my appetite two-fold. So I have a choice... be depressed in a black hole or carry a few extra pounds and be much less depressed if at all. I choose the latter.

And our pets are our guardian angels. Let’s cherish them.

-MZ 😻

[Hidden in reply to MrZee]

Funny, know what you mean about the side effects and it motivates you to do that walk you need regardless of the weight gain for better mental health too. I've seen people walking cats, how they do that is a mystery cause mine would rather climb me like tree (sharp claws into me) before she'd let herself be walked with my dogs. Still she makes great company. lol

[pandaeyes1 in reply to Hidden]

Haha. My cat freaks out just being on the balcony.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to MrZee]

I feel like if it’s between being suicidal but memory intact and not as suicidal with all these memory problems, I’d choose the former... if I can’t ever stop feeling this to some degree, I’d rather be memory intact?

[fauxartist]

Sometimes animals know when we are not feeling good and can actually comfort us. It's rare and wonderful to have that connection. When I was sick and down for the count in bed....my little gray cat at the time used to curl up behind my back and do the kneading thing....but other than when I was sick....she never did that. She just knew to mind me. Some animals are empathic I think. Dogs seem to do this more than cats, but I am a cat person all my life, and have seen this with them too.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to fauxartist]

Aww. I love it when they make biscuits with their kneading!!! I think so, too. My previous black cat was so in tune with my emotions. He was the sweetest chonk ever. It’s regrettable that my ex took him ...

[Hidden]

That's sweet of your cat. Sometimes mine doesn't want to be touched or held. Though when I am feeling so down, they would easily come to me for a cuddle.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to Hidden]

Yeah. He’s pretty skittish normally and doesn’t like to cuddle. If I move, he generally gets spooked and runs off. But this weekend was nice.

[mentalgood]

When we try to withdraw from meds our cat draw into us.

My cats are so happy and that rubs off on me everyday!

[pandaeyes1 in reply to mentalgood]

How many cats do you have?

[mentalgood in reply to pandaeyes1]

I've always had two cats... a calico and an orange tabby. They wrestle a lot and know how to love on you. Through all my years, cats have comforted me and helped me to be positive!

[Booklover0219]

Pets are truly wonderful therapy. I guess that’s why I have a lot of pets. Lol! Definitely talk to your doctor before cutting down on your meds. I’ve done that without consulting my doctor and it wasn’t a good idea. I think following up closely with a doctor and going to regular counseling can really help a lot.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to Booklover0219]

Yeah. Logically, I understand that. But it’s so hard to deal with this. I just feel like ... I’m sick. But I’m sick because of myself?

[Hidden]

Awww that looks like my Chloe. Love my pets. So much love there and it helps when you're down. Know that others here like me are also here for ya when you need to talk. I'm pretty open am a bit of a talker but I'll listen which is more important when you need it. You're most welcome to chat me up one on one if you're comfortable doing so and/or need to talk anytime.

[pandaeyes1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.