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.