Depression is a serious psychiatric illness that is taking up an ever greater space in our society. For a long time, this illness was a taboo subject that was not talked about or educated enough. This is also because the complex causes and mechanisms of depression are not yet fully understood.
What exactly is depression?
Everyone knows situations in their life in which they are depressed by major disappointments. These can be professional setbacks or a break-up with a partner. Feelings of dejection, total lack of motivation and emptiness are conditions that describe depressed people.
The big difference and probably the reason for decades of misunderstandings between those affected and their relatives is that depression is an independent and treatable illness.
In contrast to someone who is frustrated by life circumstances for a short time and can regain courage after a few days, depressed people do not get out of this “hole of depression” so quickly and easily.
They find themselves in a kind of vicious circle in which every negative thought is reinforced and hangs over everything like the sword of Damocles, threatening to crush those affected.
Not out of malice, but out of ignorance. Healthy people assume that the bad mood will disappear at some point - they make assumptions about others based on themselves.
The tragic thing is that many sufferers do not recognize their depression as an illness that requires treatment and dismiss it as merely a normal mood swing.
Diagnosis Depression
The illness is divided into mild, moderate and severe depression. There are different symptoms and manifestations of this illness.
"If at least five symptoms, including at least one main symptom, are present for two weeks or longer, the diagnosis of depression is made."
German Depression League
German-depression-help.de
It is not easy for relatives either, as they often feel helpless and develop their own feelings of guilt. At the same time, the closest relatives can be the greatest support for sick people. It is important to talk about your own feelings and stresses and to seek (professional) help.
Depression is by no means an untreatable illness . It is certainly often a long and difficult road that depressed people have to go through, but it is important to know that there is a way out of this illness.
Dogs against depression
Depression is by no means an untreatable illness. It is certainly often a long and difficult road that depressed people have to go through, but it is important to know that there is a way out of this illness.
Treatment methods usually consist of drug therapy in combination with talk therapy (behavioral therapy, analytical therapy, depth psychology therapy). There are also many other options, such as light therapy, wake therapy, ECT - electroconvulsive therapy and much more.
Even though dogs are not (yet) on the list of forms of therapy, we are not the only ones who are convinced of the healing effect dogs have on us humans. All dog lovers probably feel the same way.
In fact, several studies have proven their success, and our beloved four-legged friends are increasingly being called upon to treat people suffering from depression. However, they should be seen as a supplement to treatment. A dog cannot cure the disease on its own.
But one thing is certain: a loyal four-legged companion can give you new motivation and zest for life. Because people always react positively to being close to a dog.
Of course, there are people who are afraid of dogs, but for most people, being close to a four-legged friend releases the happiness hormone oxytocin, while at the same time reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. And that's not all: dogs have a number of other advantages that they bring with them.
Delicious dog snacks for pure enjoyment are available from us!
Dogs are generally good listeners, they do not judge and give their owners unconditional love.
Anyone who is responsible for a dog usually feels obliged to follow a certain daily routine - after all, the furry friend has to go outside. This is a positive side effect that can strengthen social skills and self-confidence.
Dogs almost automatically lead to new contacts and thus encourage communication between people. In addition, dogs often provide a certain level of support, take away fear and motivate us.
These characteristics make dogs very valuable in therapy. They are not only used for people suffering from depression, but also for people suffering from dementia and cancer, for example.
Patients who have a corresponding illness can apply to their health insurance company to have the costs for animal-assisted therapy covered – as a rule, these are fully covered.
However, this does not apply to your own pet. In Germany, only people with visual impairments are entitled to a so-called assistance dog .
Since the demand is increasing, it might even make sense for you to train a therapy dog yourself. You can find out what the requirements are here: Therapy dogs - how does my dog become a therapy dog?
Particularly suitable dog breeds
With all the different dog breeds and crossbreeds, it is not surprising that there are dogs that are better suited to being therapy dogs than others. The following dog breeds are particularly recommended for people with depression:
Highly recommended:
Golden Retrievers :Labrador Retriever :Poodles :Cavalier King Charles Spaniel :
Less suitable:
Chihuahua :Dalmatians :Akita :Siberian Husky :
Conclusion
Dogs are good for much more than just being a beloved family member. It is not for nothing that they are called man's best friend. They give us something that even our closest friends cannot always give us. It is usually not their undivided attention, but it is their complete love and loyalty. That alone is priceless, but anyone suffering from depression can get much more with the right four-legged friend by their side - namely, their life back!
Please note: Even with the most thorough research on this topic, we remain a dog portal.
If you suspect that you or someone close to you is suffering from depression , please seek help and talk to them. The first port of call is usually your family doctor, who will refer you to a specialist clinic or psychotherapist.
Doctors of the “old school” can still cling to old, conventional ways of thinking. If you feel like you are not being taken seriously, you should not hesitate to see another doctor!
There are numerous offers online, such as those from the German Depression Helpline . They also have an information line where you can call anonymously and talk about your worries. Go for it, you are not alone!
InfoTelephone German Depression Helpline: 0800 33 44 533
Andreas Humbert's blog "My way out of fear" also contains a great article that can help those affected to find a way out of the illness with the help of dogs. From those affected, for those affected:
