Not an Animal Person and Lack of Interests

So have you ever wondered if your depression is the reason why you don’t like something ? Or just why you have no interests in literally anything ? Not just currently but I pretty much never have . I mean sure I have tv shows I like and I’m starting to get into music more. But actual hobbies etc. I mean I’ve had depression since before I can remember so maybe that’s why . I just find it so hard to relate to people and find things to talk about when I have little to no interests/hobbies

And here’s the big one. I’m not an animal person. I find this very hard to admit to people. Especially animal people. Animals just don’t cheer me up or make me feel better. People get so happy about animal videos or when they see a cute dog on the street and I feel nothing. Am I broken? I’ve tried to think back to when I was a kid... and I remember hating going to the zoo to see the animals. I’m not sure why this gives me so much anxiety . It makes me feel like a bad person or like something is wrong with me .

I could honestly say the same goes for babies and children . And sometimes I feel that’s because of my anxiety. I don’t know how to talk or relate to them . Or just let loose and be fun.

I guess I’m just saying I’m not a really bright , shiny happy person who needs more interests. Depression sucks ass

[Hb2003]

Firstly nothing is wrong with you if you don’t like animals we all have different things we don’t like so don’t feel like your a bad person because your not . I lost my interest in doing homework when I was depressed I was procrastinating and didn’t want to do it because of my mental state . Also I had very bad physical symptoms such as pain .

[Brighterdaysahead]

Hello

I can totally relate to this..I also don’t have any hobbies and don’t have any interest in anything to make it become a hobby (if you get what I’m trying to say)...Depression and Anxiety become so much harder to deal with when you have nothing to occupy your mind...

Also like you animals don’t appeal me either...You are not a bad person and there is certainly nothing wrong with you for feeling that way...

[Hidden]

It not depression buddy. It just the lack of love for those things. You are bright and shiny, believe me. I know what I will say here many won't like. I don't hate dogs but I would kick a dog for barking at me, I even swear at one barking at me. I don't hate em but I don't like em either. U might not like zoo and animals, nothing is wrong with that. You are absolutely fine. U don't like kids? Nothing is wrong with that. I am married but I don't have kids of my own, I love my husband's kid. I don't want to have my own and I know there is nothing wrong with me. People close to me love to have kids left right and center and they think that I should have one bcz they love to have one. I tell em off. I don't want another person to make me feel bad bcz I don't like what popular like. I am different but that does not make me stupid. I am bright and shiny with lack of love for some staff. What u are feeling is not bad buddy, accept what you are, love yourself and don't allow people to make u feel bad bcz u don't share their interest. If u have no hobbies, that is unique to me, but I think u should try out things and u will find something that u will like more than others and that is a hobby. U might even like food, maybe cooking or tasting em, whatever it is. Never feel bad for what you are just because you don't conform to the society. If you suffer from depression, get medication and see a therapist. You are fine buddy, nothing is wrong with you.

[Itzallgood1]

Have you ever had a pet growing up or had a bad experience with one?Do you have any brothers or sisters? If not those could be reasons you don't care for them. Just because you don't like babies or animals doesn't mean you're a bad person. Maybe with a child it could be you don't know how to relate to someone that age because you aren't that age. There could be alot of variables. Yes depression does suck. I play some sports but once it's over I am back to my quiet little self. I'm in a shell. I actually won a game last year for us. The excitement last maybe 3 minutes then I went quiet, unfazed, then sad again. That was hard the other guys were celebrating and I was sitting there not caring any more. I didn't want to brag. I think we carry the burden of being sad. It is hard when nothing gets us motivated. #weareteamdepression.

[Hidden in reply to Itzallgood1]

I did , we had three cats growing up. One we had to put down right away and I actually was sad when we had to put down . I was prettyYoung but I remember the cat used to attack me for no reason and absolutely hated me haha. I guess they could be a reason. The first cat we got after we put that one down was never a very affectionate cat. We let him go outside so he always has spent majority of his time outside. I always just found him to be very selfish and anytime he would come to get pet or try and lay down on me it would just be Uncomfortable and unenjoyable lol.

And yes I have a younger sister who now has a 3 year old child. I absolutely adore her and think she is the cutest thing on this planet. But I just can’t seem to connect with her. I do feel like I eventually want a kid of my own one day but I do fear that I am not going to be good at being a mother. 🤷‍♀️

[Itzallgood1]

For some reasons my replies aren't going thru... I mentioned how often do you see your niece? Sometimes it comes to a trust issue. Ever seen a baby that stands behind momma when a stranger comes over? It's thinking momma will protect them.

I just recently spent over 6 months trying to get a 2 year old boy to get use to me. I tried to find out his favorite thing and used it to draw him to play/talk to me. It was frustrating at first but the reward is there. He trusts me.

Also don't think you wont be a good mom because you'll probably be a great mom!!😊. I know some women who didnt think they would be good moms either and they are the best ones because of their love for their child. I think that will be you some day..

[endofheartache1290]

I get where you are coming from and the simple answer is yes. When you are depressed or have very low self love or worth then finding enjoyment in things is very difficult. Finding things we like becomes harder and harder. This is especially true if we are isolating and feel alone. It's a recipe for lack of motivation and lack of interests. Take time to try new things. And see what you like. I know the motivation to do those things is hard to get but take it slowly. Start small by just getting up and moving around. Build up to things and reward yourself for the small steps. When it comes to finding things we like we have to go outside of our comfort zones sometimes. For example, if we want to learn to swim but are afraid of talking to people to set up classes. Or if you want to exercise but are afraid of getting judged by others at the gym. Stepping outside of these comfort zones while uncomfortable at first can also lead to new wonderful discoveries. So take things one day at a time and don't feel like you need to rush finding things you like. It will happen as you put yourself out there and experiment.

As far as not being an animal person that is fine. You don't have to like them but you can respect them or tolerate them, if that makes sense. You are not crazy or damaged for having those views. I am not a big fan of chocolate and people tell me all the time that i am crazy but it's just not my thing. The only chocolate I really like is dark unsweetened chocolate. And most who I have met don't like that. We are all unique in our wants and desires and what works for some will not work for others. It's about finding things you enjoy and doing those things.