Q. My brother's wife has never kept a clean house, but this year, it seems to have really gone to the dogs. When a person lives in a home with every room a mess, is this a sign of clinical depression or some other disorder? We do get good exercise each time we visit, climbing over the many piles and obstacles, so we haven't minded it, but should we suggest a visit to a doctor, maybe, if ever they are unable to open the front or back door?
A. More likely it's a sign of filth and sheer laziness, not mental illness. Some people just don't care how nasty they are but, as an example, those with OCD must have their home spotlessly clean and as germ-free as possible, depending on how bad their obsession is. Still, depending on what mental issues one has, they can certainly be filthy. So basically, it depends on the person as to whether their filth is mental or not.
How much attention should I give my outside dog?
Q. She is use to being alone, but absolutely loves me and every single time I play with her, like she can't get enough of it and it won't last. And I feel bad for it but she never scratches at the door, bark, or whine. So I assume she's fine. So two other questions.
1) What are some signs of depression?
2) Should I leave a picture of me while I leave for vacation(13 days) or does it really matter to my dog who loves me to death?
1) What are some signs of depression?
2) Should I leave a picture of me while I leave for vacation(13 days) or does it really matter to my dog who loves me to death?
A. You really should bring her inside :( Even if she can only go in the living room or kitchen it is really important for a dog to be with you.
Instead of leaving a picture of yourself leave a tshirt that you've worn. Dogs use their sense of smell more than sight, so it will matter more to her to have something of you she can smell.
Also you can play with her outside often to sort of wear her out and make her tired. Then when she comes in she will not be rambunctious. Here is an article about some things you can do:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1717428/fun_outdoor_activities_anyone_can_enjoy.html
Instead of leaving a picture of yourself leave a tshirt that you've worn. Dogs use their sense of smell more than sight, so it will matter more to her to have something of you she can smell.
Also you can play with her outside often to sort of wear her out and make her tired. Then when she comes in she will not be rambunctious. Here is an article about some things you can do:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1717428/fun_outdoor_activities_anyone_can_enjoy.html
Why is my dog showing signs of depression?
Q. I have a twelve year old yellow labrador and lately, she hasn't been wanting to eat, isn't running around like she used to, and is showing sings of depression. I'm not sure what's happening.
A. 0o0o0o0o0o Labs are wonderful dogs, and very lovable. 12 Years old is a long life for a lab and at this point you dog has seen her better years. Your dog is most likely in pain and not feeling well and she will never be the pup that you remember. I just lost my 11 year old lab and he showed the same signs in his last year or so. Fact is 11-12 is very old for these dogs. Its very hard loosing one of these dogs cos they get so close to ya.
How do I know if it's the meds that are working to some degree?
Q. Serious replies only! Before I started meds for depression year ago, I use to be supersensitive, cry a lot and be emotional. I don't get all emotional or cry anymore. I know I still am depressed because I still have bad dreams, feeling of hopelessness and go on a shopping spree or anything to try to cheer myself up. Is this a sign of maturity or is it the meds working? How can I tell? I am still depressed and miserable but I am just not crying about it. Does anyone know? Of course, this is preferrable to embarassing myself in public or private. I wish I was this indifferent when worst things were happening in my life in the past. I still can't concentrate because I am depressed with my life. Like sometimes, I still think I want hurt myself or it wouldn't matter if I didn't wake up the next day. I feel indifferent. I am lonely even with people because no one understands.
I am extremely thankful and appreciative for the three kind responses (except for House - who is obviously a *&#@! bc I specifically asked for serious replies only). I was never sure whether I just got more mature and stop caring about things or if it was just the meds.
Earlier, I had to take my Pa to the hospital. Then when I got home, I felt depressed again and even teary eyed. Does this mean the meds stop working? My doc is on vacation until next month.
I am extremely thankful and appreciative for the three kind responses (except for House - who is obviously a *&#@! bc I specifically asked for serious replies only). I was never sure whether I just got more mature and stop caring about things or if it was just the meds.
Earlier, I had to take my Pa to the hospital. Then when I got home, I felt depressed again and even teary eyed. Does this mean the meds stop working? My doc is on vacation until next month.
A. I UNDERSTAND! I've been diagnosed with depression (and a couple other "disorders") for 4 years. Lots of other people understand, too! An estimated 40% of people (at least in the US) will have depression at some point in their lives, according to DSM-IV criteria (you might already know this, but the DSM is basically the god of psychological diagnosis standards).
Feeling numb and indifferent is a very common result of anti-depressants.... a lot of people with depression want to be numb, and find it relieving to not have to feel anything at all. But a lot of people (including me) hate it, and see feeling numb as only a small step above being depressed... I don't know, but it sounds like you might agree: at least you're not crying all the time but you're still struggling...
You need to bring this up with a psychiatrist AND a therapist, both of whom you feel comfortable with, and keep trying different things until something works--until you can concentrate on and be happy with your life.... eventually things WILL get better, thats the way life goes--up and down--but, unfortunately, it will take work... depression doesn't go away on it's own, and medicines aren't miracle workers: you have to work with them.... but believe me, I know it's HARD hard work when you're very depressed, I've almost given up many many times... but I've finally found a good therapist/psychiatrist combo (and I've gone through several of them), who've helped me tremendously with my pessimism & low self-esteem.
Try to be optimistic; things will get better. I know it sounds lame, but try keeping a journal of the things that you appreciate or that make you happy... your dog? your friends? a movie? a song? I've always been extremely pessimistic, and I still very much am... but I forced myself to try to be more optimistic and to look at the good things in my life, and it's really helped a lot.... comedy also really helps a lot, when I'm down... go rent a funny movie!
Good luck, and know that a LOT of people understand and know what you're going through!!
Feeling numb and indifferent is a very common result of anti-depressants.... a lot of people with depression want to be numb, and find it relieving to not have to feel anything at all. But a lot of people (including me) hate it, and see feeling numb as only a small step above being depressed... I don't know, but it sounds like you might agree: at least you're not crying all the time but you're still struggling...
You need to bring this up with a psychiatrist AND a therapist, both of whom you feel comfortable with, and keep trying different things until something works--until you can concentrate on and be happy with your life.... eventually things WILL get better, thats the way life goes--up and down--but, unfortunately, it will take work... depression doesn't go away on it's own, and medicines aren't miracle workers: you have to work with them.... but believe me, I know it's HARD hard work when you're very depressed, I've almost given up many many times... but I've finally found a good therapist/psychiatrist combo (and I've gone through several of them), who've helped me tremendously with my pessimism & low self-esteem.
Try to be optimistic; things will get better. I know it sounds lame, but try keeping a journal of the things that you appreciate or that make you happy... your dog? your friends? a movie? a song? I've always been extremely pessimistic, and I still very much am... but I forced myself to try to be more optimistic and to look at the good things in my life, and it's really helped a lot.... comedy also really helps a lot, when I'm down... go rent a funny movie!
Good luck, and know that a LOT of people understand and know what you're going through!!
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