disorders should not own a gsd? the gsd will pick up on that and walk all over the person?

Why not? I think animals have incredible therapeutic effects on people. Dogs are being trained as emotional support dogs. They are being "prescribed" to our returning veterans. There is no reason why a person with depression or anxiety could not have a GSD.

I think by working with a reputable breeder and finding the right strong nerved dog, it could be a good thing. As long as the person is willing to give the dog exercise, physically and mentally, it could be great! Plus, the dog could really help the person come out of their shell.

I have major depression and anxiety disorders and while I think that every case is different, I have a GSD In a lot of ways she helps me. I HAVE to get up every morning and walk her, I HAVE to exercise her throughout the day, I HAVE to train her ( with varying degree of success! Lol). She is probably the best thing to happen for me as she injects a heck of a lot of joy in an otherwise fairly miserable life Even when I am having a really bad day and do not want to get out of bed (hibernate), I can't. JMO.

I'm with ya there. I have moderate depression and high anxiety and Siena has helped me loads, but I see also how my anxiety effects her, so it also helps keep me aware of what I am projecting.

I think if someone cannot take care of themselves (basic needs) because of depression or anxiety, it might not be good for the pet. On the other hand, my niece has major depression/anxiety and can't care for herself, but as long as it was spelled out exactly what she needed to do, she took care of Siena for a week when we were called out of the country on an emergency and didn't have anywhere for Siena to go for the first few days. It actually helped her.

Diana that is a great story on how having structure to take care of Siena helped out your Niece.

I think on the contrary a GSD may help a depressed person. I think a dog would pull the person up a bit. after all you need to go to training classes and meet people and be social and walking your dog gets you out etc. I think as Tiffany said you need to insure you have a dog with good nerves so you don't project anxiety. A dog with solid nerves may help overcome a lot of anxiety in the person.

Although I have never been diagnosed with a disorder of that type, my sisters both have issues with this and so did my mother. I can get very down sometimes but I think over the years I have had GSD's (or any dog) I have been fortunate that maybe the dog helped me cope and I was able to avoid a problem that required medications.

I was diagnosed with moderate depression some years ago. I am so thankful for my dogs. A relationship with a dog takes you out of yourself: feed the dog, walk the dog, play with the dog, train the dog, receive unconditional love from the dog, who never once tells you to "snap out of it". I agree that the right dog can be a marvelous companion to someone who is depressed, especially someone with low self-esteem, and no adverse side effects!

I have been dealing with GAD (Generalized anxiety disorder) for a quite few years. Currently taking medications to make dealing with it a bit easier.

Owning a dog has helped me tremendously with going out and talking to people. Before I was pretty much a prisoner in my own home. Terrified of stepping out that front door.

Now I go out almost everyday with Yukon. People come up to me daily asking questions about Yukon, where did I get him, how old his he? etc... Because Yukon is standing next to me with his warm, soft head under my hand, I am able to control my feelings and answer those questions and more with ease.

I often wish there were service dogs for people with Anxiety and/or depression. I think being allowed to take a dog into the supermarket or bank would help people like myself cope with those environments alot better.

wow happy to feel i am not alone here i suffer with really bad depression ocd anxiety and am on a bunch of meds as well me and my dr are still working on finding that right combo

i also just had a question a person that suffers with mental illness or that has been a victim of abuse in the past may not be a strong leader type character i wonder if that would effect anything and make some dogs want to walk over that person and be the alpha?

Depends how you see yourself. If you see yourself as a perpetual victim that others can easily walk all over all the time, then your dogs can see you that way too.

If you see yourself as a survivor who will fight tooth and nail to overcome the effects of the past, and is fully entitled to a good, normal, productive life, then your dogs will respect you and love you unconditionally.

Anxiety and depression ARE medical issues, and NOT an indicator of your core personality. Keep up the good fight, and don't think any less of yourself because of your present struggles.

There are.* They're called psychiatric service dogs. However with anxiety it can be counterproductive. I suffer from it as well, and have a mobility assistance service dog. The anxiety is very much triggered by being stared at in stores or having strangers approach me, employees question me etc. Its very different from having a dog in an area where dogs are welcome.

*also, for a service dog you have to meet requirements to be considered legally disabled, not just medically disabled.

yeah lin i understand that would make things worse for me also

was just wondering if someone could explain the strong nerve dog and anxiety relationship? a weak nerved dog may project the anxiety? Thank you.

A confident dog that is fearless in new situations is strong nerved. That confidence comes from an inner part and is genetic. This can be seen when breeders do puppy-testing at seven weeks, and the testing includes going somewhere new, being away from other dogs and littermates, and being handled by a stranger, exposed to loud noises, etc . . . and seeing how they react. Some pups aren't fazed by any of this, are just interested in playing with the new person and exploring their new surroundings, and checking out the big metal bucket that was dropped onto cement, etc . . .

The weak nerved dogs are emotionally more sensitive, generally more fearful and insecure. They will show avoidance and fear, and act shy and subdued. Such a dog will need a confident strong leader to gain confidence, and may be overwhelmed by an owner's strong emotions.

But as others have related with their personal experiences, one of the good things about owning a dog, is that we put their needs first, and it makes it easier to focus on our own ability to function for their sake.

I have Asperger's Syndrome, also came from a dysfunctional/abusive background. The combination made for some serious depression/anxiety issues. When feeling overwhelmed, I would "drift", which was my word for shutting down mentally and with-drawing within myself. I felt that I would not be able to funtion without being able to escape into that autistic world on a regular basis.

My first dog, a spaniel/retriever mix, did wonders to help me come out of myself and improve interaction with people. He did not seem affected by my bouts of depression or anxiety, or drifting, and was always happy-go-lucky. My second dog, Keeta, seemed scared and bewildered when I drifted. She sensed that somehow something different was going on. SHe would whine and seems anxious at those times. Because I didn't want to scare her, I made the effort to stay more present more often for her sake - wasn't sure how that was going to work out in the long run. It actually worked out great! The more effort I put into staying present, the easier it became, and the easier I was able to deal with overwhelming stimuli. I have found that I very rarely drift now, and feel better for it. Drifting was basically an avoidance tactic. Taught me that I don't have to go into avoidance, gave me more confidence to deal with life overall.

It is just completely amazing how much these dogs can do for us!

Lucia, I have only just read your latest post and wanted to say that there is a lot to admire about you.

There are service dogs for people like us that suffer from the “invisible” disabilities. Type service dogs for anxiety and depression into your search engine and you will find that there is quite a bit of information on it.

I'm bipolar and for me, having dogs is a huge help because I have to take care of them and can't go off the rails. Anxiety is a big part of my bipolar as well.

My partner has problems with depression and having the dogs is helpful to him as well - actually, I was just away for the weekend with my mom and the dogs and I come back and he's doing badly - not sure it's a coincidence.

Meds can be a hard thing to get right, but it's worth sticking it out, because when you do get them right, and you will eventually, things really click. Hope you and your doc find the right combo soon.

Paige could demand anyone out of depression...but anxiety...

I have Asperger's Syndrome as well, Bipolar and anxiety/depression issues that stemmed from my poor childhood and abuse.

My first dog was a Rottie. He was a fully trained psyciatric service dog. I trained him myself and had his certified through a school. He was trained to block people from invading my personal bubble (basically went out 3 feet in front of me and blocked the other person with his body), he was trained to block me from crossing a street until I gave him "lets cross" command. That told him I was aware and not walking into a dangerous situation. In grocery stores if I got over whelmed he was trained find the exit. When I was on medications he was trained to wake me when the timer went off to take them. He woke me up in bed, he brought me his leash when it was time to go out, when I was down he became a lap dog literally.

This dog saved my life. My Doctors said I would never live to see 18 at the rate I was going. My rottie gave me that chance. He was 7 years old when I woke up to him passed away on my couch. A necropsy revealed he had a hemangiosarcoma(sp?) that ruptured and it killed him almost instantly. We didnt even know he had one...

Then after losing him I fell back into a state. But Gunner filled in for him as Max well was ready for retirement and I got Gunner to take his place and Max well was helping me train him. Gunner died at 7 months from the 2007 pet food recalls.

I went about a year with no dog. I was miserable. I think the only thing that kept me around was the fact I had Ruby (tho she really is my grannys dog). Then i got Lincoln. He is an example of a dog that wouldnt be good for someone with anxiety issues as I made him into a fearful dog with other contributing factors. He was to be Gunners replacement but never made it that far.

So a good stronged nerved Shepherd would make a great companion for you.

Theres my story and I hope it helps in your decision, as dogs whether they are companions, theraputic or service dogs can make a world of difference

I think if you're able still care for your dog and meet it's need i don't see why not?...

I have a moderate depression too, usually strikes around after the holidays and i don't feel like doing anything. I feel that Josie helps me to get off my butt and when i'm out with her i feel much better afterwards. I'm not a people person either, and having Josie helps me to be alittle more social, i pretty much have to if i want a well socialized German Shepherd .

There are Psychiatric Service Dogs. I have one myself, a Dachshund. He would alert me to my escalating anxiety when I was not aware of it's intensity in stores and crowded places and would alert to me which allowed me to take my medication. This was when my anxiety was very severe and I no longer have to use him for this purpose. he has a vest, tag, ID and patch from the Psych Service dog society. here is a link http://www.psychdog.org

Cherri

I also have moderate to occasionally severe depression and having Benny and my former GSD's have been a huge help. The unconditional love and acceptance, always wanting to be with me really lifts my spirits. Knowing that my dogs needs me to care for him and train him is sometimes the only things that gets me going on a bad day. I live with a lot of negativity and criticism and there are occasional times when I feel that only my dogs life is made better by my existence and that is enough.

When I had cancer in 02-03 and was going through harsh chemo and surgeries, my GSD Eli was played a huge role in my recovery. I could not wait to get out of the hospital to see him. I walked him as soon and as far as possible. When I was sick in the middle of the night he always got up with me.

I think that as Diana said, as long as a person with depression or anxiety can properly care for a dog and loves dogs, then a GSD with the right temperament could be very good.

Thank you so much for the inspiring stories.

I, too, have had very moderate mental/emotional issues in the past--nothing near the disabling level that some folks suffer. I responded very well to psychotherapy and a low dose of antidepressant. As I mentioned, my situation didn't even approach the severity that some have described.

Based on my own experiences, I heartily agree that there's nothing like a dog to bring out the best in a person. Even when I was in my doldrums, I knew my dog was depending on me for daily care. I was able to say to myself, "Come on, girl, you can feel sorry for yourself later! Now, pull up your socks and take the dog for a walk--she's depending on you!"

I heartily agree with those who have already posted--it must be the right dog and the right person: the dog must have the right temperament and the person must have the ability and the desire to give their dog a good home for life.

There is the added benefit, as others have mentioned, of going through obedience training with your dog. There's nothing to match the feeling of having your neighbors compliment you on your progress, or just hearing someone remark, "What a well-behaved dog!"

As other have already posted, every person is different, of course, and I can only speak from my own experience: my dogs have really helped me!

My dog saved me just as much as I saved her.

I also suffer from depression and anxiety and it wasn't until it got really bad last spring that I realized it had been going on my whole life and I had no idea. Right around that same time is when I got Basia and words cannot even begin to describe the positive effect she has had on my life. I did end up seeking medical help and am much better now, but I'm not sure if I would have made such a quick turn-around if Basia wasn't there. In fact, I'm certain that her presence out-weighed the medication

So, as long as you are aware of the responsibility and what's in store, I would absolutely times a million say that someone suffering with depression should get one if they want one.