Should People With Bipolar Disorder Adopt a Pet?
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- CONTACT ME HERE: Patreon: / polarwarriors
This is a tough one because there is no blanket answer that works here. Some people CAN handle the demands of a pet, while others should probably think twice. This is similar to the video I made about having kids. It's a complicated topic with lots of variables. As always, I'm going to present as much information as I can - and then let you decide what YOU feel is best for your situation.
I think I'll do this by exploring 5 benefits, and 5 concerns of having a pet when you live with Bipolar Disorder. I'm also going to alternate them to give the video some balance. If you are symptomatic and watching this video - be careful. You might only hear what you want to hear. PLEASE take your time with this decision. You will be responsible for the success or demise of another precious life.
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-My channel is completely dedicated to helping individuals, families, and friends who struggle with, or know someone living with Bipolar Disorder. My goal is to provide actual tools, tips, and discuss topics that can potentially help “Polar Warriors” grow to live a more balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling life.
-Rob Whittaker, Polar Warriors: Bipolar Support
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Taking care of my pets is one of the main things that keep me going.
I find my pets help me through my dark times as well. Their unconditional love is refreshing...
I was going to say the exact same thing!
Yeee
Same with me
Yup!
I'm a no children, no pets person. I decided if I can't properly look after myself for extended periods of time there is no way I'm taking responsibility for a vulnerable being.
I thought I couldn't take care of a pet until my roommate wanted a pet. We got a cat. I ended up taking better care of the cat than her. That was how I learned I could take care of a cat. A dog would be too much for me.
I have a running joke about my cats... I always maintain I was unmedicated when I got them hehe. I wouldn't give them up for the world though...
Likewise, being a drunk pothead doesn't make for a father of the year candidate.
@Adam Seymour the loneliness ate me alive trying to "manage" on my ow . Now I have a dog & stay with family. For me it saved my life. I wish you the best 🙏🏽
Absolutely yes for me. Loving my dog gets me out the door every day for her walks, and I always feel better for it. Her needing me to feed her has often given me motivation to get out of bed when I’m depressed. I know this is not for everyone, but for me, it has saved my life, without a doubt.
Facts
I’m bipolar and my youngest daughter is bipolar we have 3 big dogs. We rescued them all. We saved them and they saved us right back. Our pack is our every thing. We adopt dogs that everyone else overlooks x
Same, it's the best feeling ever. Our latest one is an 11 year old German shepherd and he's nearly 15 now and amazing, we always try to take the ones people will over look because of age or medical problems and don't want to vet bills on
My dogs are so important to me They are crucial in keeping me going and in recovery from depressive episodes. When I'm manic or even psychotic, I have never forgotten to feed or walk them.
My cat "Rom" (Royal Ontario Museum) has been my saving grace for my bipolar disorder diagnosis. He follows me around when I'm moody and know when I need love. I have since learned to take his body language and use it to manage my mental health.
Rom is my best friend and I know that I'm loved.
I wouldn't have been alive today, if it weren't for my cats! When I'm really depressed they keep me going, since their lives and wellbeing are depended on me. Their need of care gets me out of the bed every day and they give me so much joy, love and purpose in life! ❤️ Since I don't have any kids and decided not to have any, my cats are my family and I would do anything for them! They are everything to me and just as important as any other living man, woman or child. Family members for sure! The cost (vet care) is sometimes tough to handle, but there's always a way if there's a will! 🙏 I can live on noodles if I have to, just as long as they're happy! 😊❤️ Having a pet is not for everyone. Especially if you're getting too sick to manage the basic care for it and don't have any "safety net", as parents, spouse or siblings to step in, if the situation gets really bad. It's a serious and lifelong (pet's life) commitment getting a house pet and shouldn't be taken lightly...
My 23 year old cat had to be put down over a year ago. She was a wonderful companion. But I'm not getting another cat due to the costs associated with having a cat. I'm older, too, and it's harder for me to bend over to take care of a litter box or clean up anything. When I need "fur therapy", I can walk across the street and pet the German Shepherd that lives there, or visit a friend whose family includes cats and a Sheltie. We have cattle in our area, too, and I've visited them and spoken with them!
Thank you Rob for this video. It explains a lot. My bipolar sister collected pets, she had a gift for connecting with animals. But there were times when she was depressed that she absolutely could not care for them, and more than that, her depression negatively impacted them emotionally too. Pets like cats and dogs can feel when our energy is negative and it can make them want to be safe from us, if we are really toxic they need to keep their distance. It isn't fair to them. But they also help tremendously in less acute situations. It helped for her to secure "back up" when she was depressed, but not always easily arranged. I wish she had watched this video.
Fur babies ❣️🐶 I also live with my family, so many hands make the work light! My pups have saved my life more times than I can count, and one puppy will sleep on my bed. This pup comforts me and I comfort him. He also helps ground me when it comes to a dedicated sleep time because he needs me by him. I’ve grown up with doggies, so they are worth every penny to me, and help me get closer to some kind of “normal” routine. I’m chronically ill and homebody is my middle name, LOL 😂. These pups make me feel loved and they can put a smile on my face during the worst of times! They have me to count on when they need a drink, treats, brush their teeth, put skin treatment on their back, to clean their eyes every day, and help potty them, etc. I’m going to forever have pups, and I’m thankful for the blessings that my doggies have been in my life!🐶🖤👍🏻
I've found that I unfortunately don't do well with pets who require cages. But a cat or a dog really helps me. The chihuahua I have now is so important to me. She gets me up out of bed everyday
Absolutely yes. I am diagnosed schizoaffective and I take care of 3 dogs and 2 cats and 1 kid. Even when I can’t take care of me they keep me going and taking care of them is my foremost concern
Your so right, no matter how low I am and don't want to shower or cook for myself I know I have to get up to look after my therapy rabbits and dog, both my boys are over 21 so they can look after themselves lol
Its nice to hear i miss my dog so much he never left me
@@barbrajmarshall6560 im sorry you lost your little friend 😔 they have such a special bond with us don't they? we also foster mainly German shepherds and even the really young ones that come through are so attuned well apart from the French bulldogs there just like pocket rockets and you can't take the batteries out lol but it's what keeps me going
@@chez6623 i miss him every day hole in my heart
I cared for both my parents who are gone now. Between 2017-present their dog has kept me here. I can't give up because I promised I would take good care of her. She has been my savior many days.
Got my service dog last year it's a big responsibility however he has made such a difference in my life he keeps me present and safe
We rescue and foster German shepherds and have noticed especially with the last 2 boys we've had they have been so attuned to my moods that we are seriously thinking of a fully trained service dog, do you have any advice on how to start off? E.g did you train him yourself or was he trained when you got him? Also what things does he do to help you?
@@chez6623 I went through basic training then advanced then THE Good Citizen training. I had a private trainer in a group of about 6 people each was 8 weeks long . Planes trains and hotels and TSA reeeeallly like you to have the good citizen. It was about 150 per 8 week training. Now we ride the friendly skies😄 then I registered him with the KENNEL Club and he has al he needs to help me and he keeps on learning now hope this helps
I class my 2 small dogs as part of my family.
On my darkest days they give me a reason to carry on. Unconditional love.
I have six dogs, a husband, a brother, and a 6 month old…. Yes sometimes it sucks but I wouldn’t have it any other way
I got 5 zebra finches birds 🐦 and I let them fly around the house and put their toys out so I watched them, talk to them and put birds videos so they can watch and hear 👂 them. Thanks so much for this awesome educational video.🐦🐦
Lol at all the pets you've had. I too decided not to have children many moons ago for a lot a reasons. One major one was I felt I couldn't look after myself. I've always displayed signs of bipolar I believe. Only diagnosed six years ago. I too have two cats and yes they actually do cost a small fortune especially when needing vet care.... I can also identify with them helping to keep you alive 😻
Thanks for your brutal honesty...
I got a cat from a farm about 5 months ago and it’s been the best decision for my mental health I’ve made in a long time, when I feel low he is there to comfort and when I am having panic attacks his purrs make me realize everything is going to be fine. It’s amazing what a cat can do and the importance of nurturing something as loving and innocent as a small kitten :)
Awe, I am so sorry to hear about your guy that didn’t make it. That made me want to cry just hearing.
My little guy was sick when I first got him. He couldn’t keep anything down. I fed him tons and tried every kind of food imaginable but he was starving to death right in front of me.
Vet after vet telling me nothing was wrong. I took out a line of credit just to pay for all of it.
Thankfully, our story ends differently. Finally, FINALLY a vet was able to diagnose him. He has two conditions but both had the same answer (THANK GOODNESS)! The ONE thing I was too scared to try…raw food.
Here we are, 7 years later, watching your video and he’s sleeping on my lap. Slightly chunky even and doing great. Thankful he’s only 5 pounds so affording his raw diet is very doable :)
My conure really helps me when I'm having a depressive episode. She gives me a reason to get out of bed in the morning because she loves perching on the curtain rod while I shower and brush my teeth.
I dontvknow what a conure is lol, but it's amazing how animals pick up on ever changing moods
@@chez6623 Conures are small parrots. I don't know if she can pick up on my mood, but she's always excited when I wake up and that means a lot.
@@megantron5331 omg they sound so cute 😍
New subscriber here. This was a well-thought-out video. I have had pets my entire life. I'm one of the many that kept going even when I didn't want to for concern for my pets. When I am having high anxiety I hear things that may not be real. When this happens I do see if my pet reacts. If they aren't reacting, I know it's just me and it helps calm me down.
Watching this with one of my cats sleeping on my lap ❤️ these boys kept me going when I didn’t want to get out of bed. I have a routine with them for feeding, etc. and knew I couldn’t neglect them. I would force myself to get up to take care of them. Also I can totally relate to number 3. My cats literally kept me here. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving them… almost more than anything/anyone else. Had Ollie since August 2020 and Oscar since December 2020 :)
Great insight on owning pets. I love my labs they’ve helped me through some emotional times.
We have a dog, 3 cats, and 4 gecko lizards, they are a part of the family.
Have two kids, one older one still living with us. Bipolar with pets, yes if you are stable as I am.
I'm bipolar, work at an animal shelter, and have a cat sanctuary in my home. When I began fostering cats, I purposely connected with my local shelter to make sure I was accountable for and had all the help I may need with the animals in my care. Fostering might be perfect for someone unsure of a pet.
My pets give me unconditional love they give me a reason to keep going I know they they need me when I'm really feeling down it's like they know it and they snuggle with me and give me kisses I don't get that from humans
I find the unconditional love from my cats helpful as well!
i've had cats and dogs for the last 15 years or so, and i can't imagine being without them. my dogs force me to stay balanced (as much as can be, that is), and all of them give me endless supply of love and affection. but the dogs are most important as my barometer, because if i'm out of balance, they are. and the only result from that is the start of a negative circle of no balance whatsoever - until i manage to find it again. it's extremely hard work, but also very effective.
and yes, i've had dogs during my worst years. was it easy? oh, hell no. was it worth it? oh, hell yes.
LOVE!!!!
My dog is the reason I’m here. The routine we have is helpful, he gets me out of the house to go on walks everyday, etc. but he is also unbelievably in tune with my emotions. He comforts me when I need it, and he has this beautiful, joyful outlook and a playful personality that makes me laugh every single day. I only worry about the day he dies- he grew some new grey hairs the other day and it’s kind of embarrassing to admit, but I cried for hours. I don’t know what I’m going to do when he’s gone.
In lock down , i started a animal rescue centre , i was super manic and accumulated 17 dogs , 13 cats , 4 goats , a horse a pony, birds , hamsters , a pig, Chickens and rabbits.
I looked after them all on my own , every day , 7 days a wk , after 2 yrs I crashed , it was all too much , i was working 12 hrs a day , never seeing my husband , my life was a mess , i was so low and exhausted.
I didnt know i had Bipolar at this point .
I got treated for depression and anxiety .
I still have 16 dogs 12 cats but alot of the other animals i have rehomed , i also now have help and i have alot more time for me .
Me and my husband are not great , he lives part time here and part time in the UK.
He cant cope with it all, he has asberges .
I've always owned Rottweilers and I'll say now, I wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for them.
I have family who have cared for them during hospitalisation.
I live alone and woyld never cope without the company and exercise.
You’re such a kind man. You’ve helped me understand what it’s like for my daughter. Bless you xxx
I had to watch UA-cam channels on how to train my Golden Retriever. It's been a challenge. She is filled with a lot of energy. I highly suggest checking it out right here on UA-cam if you can't afford a personal trainer. It's helped me out tremendously. It's very stressful when dogs behave badly and don't have manners. But, I'm happy now and love my girl.
Thank you. I have always had a cat under foot and loved them to pieces. I would love to have another fur person but…at 73 I don’t have much of a lifetime guarantee. Might put that on your list. Top notch on every point you made. A pet is a commitment. It’s a bond of love and respect. My boys all lived well past 15 years. Not sure my motor won’t clunk out before then. Also, social security and pet costs don’t mix well. Excellent video and, congratulations on #100!
Thanks for sharing!!
Absolutely, I have 2 therapy rabbits. My German shepherd is so attuned to my moods and lays with me nudging to stroke him
I had a dog once and she passed away 10 years ago. She was my best friend because she was with me when I first found out I had bipolar disorder. I never felt so alone back then and when I think about it know I now she helped me cope with my mental state of mind. know I have a bearded dragon, an alligator lizard, 3 adult snakes and my snake is laying 15 hatchlings. I love my exotic animals because I feel the security with them always being there in their cage consistently. When I feel depressed I take care of them, I feed them and clean out their cages. I love them because they fill in that void that I’ve had because of my family. I am blessed that my bf is able to help me pay for their food, habitat where they live and the up keep. I’m grateful for my pets, family and my life in general. It’s not easy living with bipolar but it’s not impossible either. If pets are not for you then there are other ways to cope with life, mindfulness, journaling or just going for a walk and enjoying yourself with warm weather and wearing a mask to stay safe from germs. It’s the little things in life that put a smile on your face, look at your small accomplishments.
I have a 🐈 cat she is my companion pet prescribed by a doctor she is loved and will taken care of
Very insightful and indepth food for thought, Rob. Thank you. Well done on your 100 videos milestone. You're a legend.
i would love to have a pet but my anxiety was through the roof when i inherited my mothers dog till his death. so no pets for me
Hey, being aware of what does and doesn't work is important. ( As a teen, my depression and occasional agoraphobic feelings interfered with getting up and out for quality walks with our family dog, and I regret that he suffered from it. As an adult, cats seem in some ways a better fit for those times. To be fair though, there are still lots of responsibilities. Even so, there's a wide variety of ways to find connections or experience wonder through art, music, developing skills in various interests etc. too, if animal guardianship is not comfortable. ( One advantage is the projects are far less likely to get messy from any of these things that have happened from living with multiple cats over the years: collecting fur, drool, puke, or territorially peed on, knocked off a table, etc.. so that's a plus : )
Having my dogs give meaning to my life, gives me a reason to live when im suicidal. And it can be really hard sometimes to care for them and that's when i have to ask for help, and that ok. Thankyou for this video 🙂
If I didn’t have my dog I’d be a lot sicker. She’s at my side all day and all night. She gives a lot of love to me and I love taking care of her.
I have a beautiful Bullterrier, her name is Shadow! She is my driving force. She assist me by being a crazy clown when I am down... She snuggles with me when depression traps me in bed, waiting, with no judgment till we can go on road trips and hiking all over the place again. She is my companion, confidant, emotional support furry friend. Very big responsibility but worth every bit of effort!
I got a dog when I was single and I have no doubt at all that it saved my life several times. I just couldnt leave him all alone in my apartment. Especially because he was elderly, and I was pretty sure noone would take him on.
I Have 4 Cats........So, Yes It Helps Me A Lot........They Calm Me Down I Also Suffer From PTSD,Severe Depression & Anxiety Disorder......Mo, Miracle,Jr., & Magic(My 4 Cats) Helps Me Balance My Emotional Up's & Down's Of Bipolar Disorder........🙂👍🏾💯
I have 4 cats as well...Nichols, Ariel, Luna and Eclips!
@@CompassRecoveryCoaching .......Awwwwww.......☺️☺️☺️
Brilliant names all!
I have "only" 2 cats but they help me as well 😍😻
I have guinea pigs and I've found that the daily care they need helps keep me on schedule. They also help my teenage autistic son from feeling lonely when I'm not I the living room with him or I'm outside with the neighbors.
My cats are a soothing and joyful blessing from God. They have a real importance in my daily routine.
Thank you this definitely has me thinking
I farm for a living. I have lots of cats a dog and a bunch of cows I have to take care of every day. It isn't easy but I have a very good support system in place. Some weeks are better than others but I get my work done. I have a good neighbors and family to help out.
That's a great support system of people.
I shall watch this later also I'm quite lax with caring for our dog since my dad seems to wanna do everything....
Have you ever explained to him how it may help you if he let you take on more of the responsibilities? What dog do you have? I love all dogs but German shepherds and huskies definitely have bigger place in my heart
Rottweiler girl has saved me multiple times. Im not sure if I can pinpoint her presence during depression being more valuable or during mania when im wired & we have wild play time. Either way a true lifesaver, dearest unjudging friend.
3 cats and 3 dogs. They help me when I'm having a bad day. They r better than people too
Thank you so much for your insight. I can't plan anything or if I just wanna leave for the night. I can't because I have a dog. I love her but she's very expensive when she's sick. Sometimes I can't physically get out of bed to walk her.
My cats really help me keep my schedule, which in return helps my mood stay even. But they can be tiring too. It never fails that when I'm down and exhausted, that's when they puke on something! I love them very much, and they love me, but I have considered going petless for some time after they both die (that's around 5-7 years off still).
I don’t know what I’d do without my pet it keeps me grounded!
I have a cat called Princess, when was down she wouldn't leave my side, she would sit on my chest when I was in bed most of the day. Love her so much. Great video
So helpful! I love your videos. They help me much more than any counselor or psychiatrist did. Thank you, thank you!
I'm sort of torn here. I tend to adopt special needs dogs - and they always have some unadoptable feature. I think this probably is a way of looking at them as I look at myself: nobody else is going to love them, so why not me. I ususally have two dogs at a time, nothing more despite my manic urge to adopt a third. My condition is getting more complicated the older I get (and I can't shake this...life's getting much darker) so I've developed contingency plans. I have a savings account for my dogs, should anything happen to me. I had a really bad episode in May and I called a friend/family member to see if they could take the dogs for me (something I wasn't sure I could do at the time). However, the routine of taking a dog out for a walk and keeping scheduled things - play, brushing, feeding - is good for me. There are times I don't want to deal with it, but I do. Like you said, "they keep us going". It's true. Good video.
I’m a mom to an adult daughter who is bipolar. There are days that she can’t get out of bed. That’s when I take over with her dog walking , etc. This has been difficult, but I don’t want to give the dog up either. She’s a great dog and I love her. Anybody know of any strategies to push oneself to care for their pets on very low energy days?
Hi Tracy, first I want to acknowledge how giving you have been to support you daughter through her difficulty and your commitment to care for the dog as a member of your family. I know it can feel very unfair sometimes when our family pitch in to support us through the times that we with bipolar are at our lowest. As someone who struggles with this mood disorder, I know how defeating it can be and what its like to not be able to get out of bed.
I would suggest considering your daughter's bipolar condition like a physical illness, if she sprained her ankle or broke her leg, it would be completely reasonable to let her rest while she recovered. It is a burden to take over for the responsibility of her pet but it is not a failing of her commitment to the animal, she is simply unable to do it as she is ill. A mental illness is just a legitimate as a physical injury and cannot always be "pushed" through.
However, if your daughter is completely isolating and not engaging with her animal at all, it can be helpful to let her know that her pet misses her, that the animal 'itself' wants her to spend time with it and take her out. I know from my own experiences with low moods that my pets were the first thing that get me out of bed in the morning, I would take care of their needs even when I wasn't looking after my own, and our pets are the absolute best listeners anybody could ever want. Your daughter can tell the dog anything, without judgement, just to talk. Your daughter is everything to this dog and if she can feel how wanted and loved and accepting her dog is of her, no matter her circumstances, you will not have to push her to care for her pet, only remind her that she can feel better and braver when she has this companion to care for.
I hope this will be helpful to you and your daughter.
Baby puppies small 🐈
A very small cat it needs to be small
Sorry I didn’t read the whole thing
No one else lives with me so I have to get up to take of my cat.
I hope so because I have always had furbabies! Taking care of them & loving them & them loving me helps so much! 🐶🐶
It's such an unconditional love, It's amazing how our furbabies are so in tune with our moods and adapt with us 💚💚💚
@@chez6623 So true! They know when I am upset etc. I've been totally in a panic attack crying & my baby boy Shih Tzu comes up to me & gets on my lap or stomach. They're so sweet! God bless you and your furbabies! 🙏🏻✝️🐶🐶💖
Welcome back! I know you were gone for a while.
I love cats. As a kid we always had cats but it was my parents responsibility. Later I've had cats myself but not anymore. I could not give them the attention the deserve. I love to be alone. Life is so much easier when you only have responsibility for your self.
My rescued dog rescued me.
Great advice as usual. I have been thinking about adopting a pet myself so this is really useful for me. Thank you and take care x
Awesome video, as always. Thank you so much!!!! 🙏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾
My fiancé doesn’t really care for animals. He doesn’t dislike them and he’s not mean to them but he just isn’t really interested in them all all.
Well, my (now our) tiny dog just ADORES him.
Watching him warm up to our fur baby was just the sweetest thing. 💕
I have bipolar 1, and have 3 dogs, 2 cats and a baby. Life is tough. But being surrounded by love helps so much. I always worry I don't do enough
Hi, Rob offers one on one support on Patreon if you are interested. He also posts more personal information about his day to day struggles like his recent hospital stay. For the month of July he is offering free phone calls to patrons. Another Patreon exclusive is Rob hosting and moderating weekly support groups on discord! Take gentle care! 🙏
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
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Getting my cat was a life changing event for me, he's kept me going and I wouldn't be the person I am right now if it weren't for him
Thanks for sharing that with us John. I'm glad to hear that getting your cat has been such a positive life changing experience for you! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
you are so beautiful thank you for this important message to us bipolar people which i am one of cheers
Currently, I live where pets aren't allowed and frankly, it wouldn't be fair to have a cat or dog in such limited space anyway. That said, cats are my favorite animal. If I could, I would have at least 2 and up to 4 at a time. But I'm also extremely confident in my ability to clean their litter and keep up with feeding and playing with them even in my worst condition because I have. It has been that interaction that helped pull me out of depression many, many times. Dogs are awesome too and love them very much, but I wouldn't trust myself to be able to take them for walks and play with them in my deep depressions. Cats are much easier to care for, at least for me personally. This is not a "cats are better than dogs" comment. It's a "cats are better than dogs FOR ME" comment. 🙂🙂🙂
That's a shame you can't have any where you live 😕
@@chez6623 Yeah... It's ok though. I can visit several different kitties if I ever just need to for my mental health. And now that I've discovered a big cat rescue here in Wisconsin just over an hour away with admission costing only $10, I can spend a half day going up to see them and bring a picnic lunch too. So at least I have options. 🙂😻🦁🐯
Well said. I also agree, (in my case, : ) that from experience, cat care is easier for me to handle. Therefore, I should stick with them, if living with animals, even though dogs can be sweet, too. It's about being a good friend back to them. Also: glad you can bond with a few when you, the cat-friends and human-friends wish, as well.
My dogs got me through homelessness and some really rough times. I know when I have a bad day, when I come home, my dogs will be happy to see me. It helps me so much to just have some alone time with my puppies.
Aren’t they amazing! I’m sitting here right now with a cat in my lap, thinking about how grateful I am to have my critters. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. If you’d ever like to connect, there’s a link in the video description where you can reach me directly. Hope you have an awesome holiday season :-)
- Rob
I literally have been having this problem. I planned on adopting a cat from a shelter. I was going to get a slightly older cat. I was making plans buying all the stuff I would need and then I had a severe hypomanic episode and walked into a pet store and immediately saw a kitten who looked exactly like my former cat! So my plan was out the window and at first it was OK but now he is 7 months old and had to be at the vet 3 times for ear problems. I had to borrow money to pay the vet from my mum. Now we have pet insurance so hopefully that will help. But also I have borderline personality as well so my moods are even more unstable sometimes. My cat needs so much attention he gets really crazy and bites my feet if I don't spend enough time with him. But I love him so much I have to figure out a way to do better with him. Any advice would be appreciated.
A young cat is very active. Try buying lots of toys it can play with on its own. Cardboard scratching post is great. My cat wakes me up with so much love. Make sure you get a cat with short slick fur like mink. There are different types of fur. Some are a nightmare for molting and creating a lot of cleaning work.
@@kerriowen9815 Thanks he's 2 years old now much easier to entertain!
You're awesome. Thank you so much for bringing this valuable content.
Thank you so much for your comment! :) If you'd like to help support Rob in what he does with Polar Warriors please consider becoming one of his patrons on Patreon. I'll include the link so you can check it out! Hope your week is off to a great start! :) -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
www.Patreon.com/PolarWarriors
What you wrote was absolutely correct. My son is very good at training animals, but feels they need absolute freedom in the house. Having two dogs can be nice but it is also important to remember the age and health of the people we live with. I can't run and I can only handle
a small dog. I love dogs but I need help in taking care of them esp with my age and health. Just writing this so it helps when considering having a pet.
They are my reason to breath. I love them soooo much!
After a long time and a lot of thought I decided to get a dog. He was a rescue with a lot of baggage just like me. I fell in love pretty quick. What I found though was that having him around wasn’t a solution to my bipolar symptoms. In some cases it made them worse. I’d worry about his health, if he was happy, if he was lonely when I wasn’t there, if I was doing the right things. I would worry about him so much it caused my anxiety to become unmanageable. Luckily I was with a person at that time who was great with animals and who was willing to take him in when it all came crashing down. Even though I lost everything (again) I feel good about letting him go so he can have a good life.
I'm glad that your partner at the time was able to care for your dog and give them a loving home. I hope both of you are doing well now. Thanks for sharing your story with us. -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
My dog was the best decision
For those who cannot afford or simply don't dare to care for a dog of their own there's another great opportunity of finding furry company (at least in Germany): Animal shelters constantly look for volunteer dog walkers, who regularly go for a walk with their inhabitants several times a week, mostly in the afternoons and/or at the weekends.
Btw, something similar is for cat, rabbit, etc. people too. Instead of for walking you can volunteer for cuddling, playing, cleaning, socializing... The only thing you'll have to do to become a volunteer is to attend a few hours training class in advance that is offered and guided by the shelter's staff.
I've learned that something I had done in my hypomanic episodes, or depressed episodes, was get a new animal. Now, I wasn't necessarily overrun, but I ended up with 40+ chickens, 5 dogs, 2 cats and 2 bearded dragons. At this point, I Have 23 chickens, 0 cats, 3 dogs, and 2 bearded dragons.... and this is a much more manageable amount for me, although I look forward to having even fewer. I'm one of those kinds of people who is just great with animals, training, husbandry, so without animals I wouldn't be healthy.... but there is a good number to have, and appropriate animals for your particular home and lifestyle.
my rabbit truly saved my life ❤️
My dog is the best and she helps take care of me by keeping me in the present. I fostered her for 3 months before deciding to adopt her.
When I got very ill the first time and everything started going wrong I blamed anything I could. What I drove, or where I lived, mattress, girlfriend, you name it. I also blamed my cat at one point and wanted to get rid of her! Luckily I didn’t and my little kitty cat is still here.
I do not mean to offend anyone here, but here is my research and personal experience:
1. In the 1800’s, a hospital in Philadelphia called Friends Hospital paved the way for hands on therapy. By introducing horticulture, and caring for plants, the patients who participated did phenomenal, and learned that by caring for a living entity, their personal world broadened.
Me: After pregnancy, I discovered that I had bipolar disorder. And I found out a year later that when I came to my doctor, I would have been hospitalized if I didn’t respond to my medication. My main focus and mantra were “I’m doing this for my husband and son.” After a while, I realized that I was a part of my mantra.
As for pets: I’ve had at least two dogs all my life. As a kid, I was unfortunately not kind to my dogs. Now, no animal died by my hand. And as I grew older, the two dogs began liking me. I have two dogs to this day. And they love me as much as I love them, my husband and son.
It can be done, but always remember that you need to make them the center of your world.
That's an interesting historical footnote, thank you. ( - I forgot about plants as an * alternative earlier, and can see how the "biophilic"/ green therapy, as well as air quality improvements might be good, too. I have been looking int cat-safe plants, but haven't found a place ideal for both plants and cats to thrive. Curious cats finding ways to get to the plant for a nibble : ) Again, the plants were not poisonous to the cats, but the greenery didn't survive the foraging. Some less accessible spots were tried, but lack of proper sun and watering due to the successfully hard to reach location didn't work well. A sturdy DIY glass case made of old, repurposed windows could be another way to attempt this.
@@lizhyink5636 Hi Liz! That is an interesting conundrum. While I have dogs ;and some plants), I find that my younger male dog loves to dig outside! We have two plants that are bigger in our front room, and (as of today), he hasn’t touched them.
I know cats are so different. If you put them on a shelf, they may climb up and knock them down. And I know friends with cats that not only dig at the floor plants, but also use them as an alternative “litter box?”
My brain is still returning to happier toes. I have my own little plants that I give attention to. One is a bonsai tree (I rescued her from Lowe’s because she was going to die. She’s living and thriving almost 2 years now!). A second one is a tropical type plant. If I can suggest something, treat a plant like it’s very important to you. Give it food, water and sunlight. IF you have a home office, keep them in there, and have a “paws off” policy. I wish you the best, and I hope something works for everyone! I’d have a cat, but I’m so allergic.
@@lizhyink5636
this is somewhat humorous, but it is a suggestion. Isn’t catnip a plant? I’m sure if you have some catnip plants around the house, the cats may love that! There’s also a grassy type plant that cats may like. I saw this in Petsmart one time, and thought that something for cats to paw and mark territory with their mouths may not be a bad idea? I had a cat for two months. I adopted her and she was the sweetest cat ever. Unfortunately, I underestimated my allergy to cats. I broke out in red hives from head to toe, and developed bronchitis. I tried my best to keep her, but my husband said he was afraid I was going to die. So I gave her back to the shelter, crying the entire time. I did do some research, and thought that maybe those two plants would’ve been good for my former cat as well.
In any event, best of luck with your fur babies (same name for my dogs). I have a tortoise too! He’s such a great little guy. Easiest pet ever. Bert of luck❤️❤️
I have been on both sides. It was harder to keep an animal when I was younger and manic. Since I am older and more stable my dogs have been a huge joy. They help my depression and keep me up and moving.
Good on you for taking care of your dog. a pet can be a great thing to have when your depressed, the biggest problem is nature does not care if your sick, If you take on a pet, its for life, their life, as long as are alive, but also your life. To me they are a gift, another reason to keep going.
An alternative idea might be to provide a foster home temporarily for pets while stable and stop during a manic episode.. least in the case with my bf. I feed birds outside which is nice. Kids would cause lack of sleep which could be a trigger. What do you think?
You really help me. I've just officially decided to not take in additional pets (also mostly reptiles and amphibians and a dog). When manic I volunteer and adopt and donate so much with animals. I have a cat, snake, dozens of fish, hundreds spent in supplies sitting in my garage because I know I need more stability before I add another animal into my life.
Sir, please also make a video regarding the pros and cons of making careers in the field of psychology or mental health (psychiatry) etc. Also mention the validity and law regarding its practice by a person who suffered mental illness in the past or on medication in the present in different countries. We are highly grateful to you for your work. Thanking you
That's a great idea, I'll pass it on to Rob! I wanted to mention that you should check out the work of Kaye Redfield Jameson, she is one of the world's leading experts on Bipolar Disorder and has it herself!! She wrote about her journey in the book, An Unquiet Mind.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
For ten dollars a month, you can message Rob directly, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
my animals keep me going. even in my lows they help me stay in reality and a routine. they're my world
Have one male pit and one female shih Tzu ❤️ I love them very much but....it has it's moments 😬 A service dog sounds wonderful but I'm really scared I'd worry it to death. 😳
When I get my own apartment I will get a goldfish and I will look after him. He will keep me company during the day. Thanks for this video. God bless from Kingston,Ontario Canada
Sounds like a wonderful plan! :) Thanks for your comment. God bless you as well! -Rachel (Polar Warriors team member)
Giving away pets breaks their heart so make sure you are devoted for their whole life
I think animals are more resilient than we think, and remember they don't think exactly like people think. I had a vet that told me that cats and dogs are very much day to day living, they are totally in the moment, not thinking about the past. If a person suddenly can't take care of a pet, then rehoming should be considered.
Sometimes we all need someone to talk to:
www.crisistextline.org/
teenlineonline.org/talk-now/
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds
For ten dollars a month, you can message Rob directly, watch videos that are more personal in nature, and access a great community.
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
My cats have helped me through so much. It seems that animals are the one thing I can't get mad at. And they are honestly the only reason I haven't acted on thoughts.
I love my cats. They’re such great animals! I’m so glad you have kitties 🐱
My dogs keep me happy and something for me to care for and in a bad situation I always remember and only one that’s going to take care of her the way I know she needs to be taken care of
My son got a female rabbit and I treated her like she's my granddaughter and sometimes she slept with me.🐇❤🐇
THERE IS NO WAY PEOPLE WATCHED THE VIDEO IF THEY DISLIKE IT. 🤬
My 1 cat, is like my emotional pet
She's help me get out of days I don't or can't get out of bed, etc.
Also when I rescued my dog three years ago, I stopped committing suicide, she is the only reason keeping me alive. I ask her every day if she is an Angel, I know she is. Only reason I keep going
I grew up in a household with either having a cat, or a dog..or both so they were a very big part of my childhood. As a teen I was given a cat to raise and I had him till he was 18 years. When I has my son..an animal was a definite. I raised several cats and a few dogs as my kid grew up. Mostly 1 cat or 1 dog..or one cat and one dog at a time. Animals like cats and dogs are great for kids and also kept me grounded and sane. At one time my house was even a miniature petting soon but overall raising a child and a mini soo was a bit too much for me to handle. So for me 2 animals at a time were the max fir me..and while raising my kid! Btw..both my son and I are ADHD and I suffer from a mild case of bipolar as well. Animals were a lifeline for my son and I. Now that I'm on my own as my son grew up and moved out and I'm now full of terminal bone cancer and live in a room only..a pet is no longer an option. I can't afford one and mobility is a huge issue as well. I miss my pets but I gotta be real as well... but anyways... the pet issuecan be s good option if one has the time , money and patience and a pet can calm one's nerves and provide unconditional love when trained properly.
Aww, thank you so much for sharing that! Thank you for taking loving care for all those animals in your life and raising your kid to respect them as well. I know it's off topic but there is this youtuber who makes music with his cats. ua-cam.com/video/r7WI4A8N8dA/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
Dianna Polar Warriors Team Member
www.patreon.com/PolarWarriors
I too have lost track of how many times I've moved
My dog is my furbaby and taking care of him keeps me honest and I force myself to take care of me so I can take care of him. He is my shadow and we do everything together. He has a heart murmur and I give him meds morning and night. I dont know how I'm going to handle his passing.