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