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Post by Kim on Aug 8, 2009 18:39:25 GMT 10
Ok well this isnt really related to rats but through my years of owning rats I have come across a number of rat owners who either know someone who has mental health issues, such as depression, bi-polar, Phobias, or other conditions... Or might themselves suffer any of those things.. As rats make great pets for people who have issues because they are so loving... I've created a forum where people who suffer from Depression, Phobias, Anxiety or other issues effecting mental health can go and talk about it... As I said you dont have to have an issue yourself to join up.. There are no rules about posting, you either do or you dont.. I am looking for members but I am also looking for some people to volunteer to be staff members on the forum... It would help if you had a condition or understanding of a condition if you want to be a Staff member.. Please check out the forum at... mentalhelp.proboards.com  Thank you |
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skitch
Aussie Rat Owner 
Posts: 42
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Post by skitch on Aug 10, 2009 20:51:41 GMT 10
I've also noticed a correlation between problems like depression and owning rats.. it's sad  . |
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Post by Kim on Aug 10, 2009 20:56:31 GMT 10
I've also noticed a correlation between problems like depression and owning rats.. it's sad . What do you mean by that? The bit about "correlation between problems like depression and owning rats.. it's sad" Sorry I didn't understand it... My thing is that because rats are so loving and intelligent people with depression and other disorders and mental illnesses tend to find rats great companion pets as well as great therapeutic pets.. I know that with myself for a while the rats helped me to overcome some of my social anxieties when I was involved in rat shows.. |
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skitch
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 42
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Post by skitch on Aug 10, 2009 22:31:59 GMT 10
Whoops, sorry.. that was badly worded! I completely understand why you didn't get that, lol I'm a bit of a ditz at times. :/ I meant basically that I've noticed alot of the people I know that keep rats as pets have some form of mental illness and in most cases it's depression. I definitely agree with your reasoning, I think it makes sense that people who feel a little lonely in the world turn to animals like rats. Rats offer such unconditional love and affection.. they really are great little animals . The same can be said of other animals, like dogs, for example.. but there's just something special about having a bond with a rat. |
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Post by Kim on Aug 10, 2009 22:43:07 GMT 10
LOL ..ok I understand now...  I dont really see in words like most people, I see in pictures, so sometimes its hard for me to understand what people are actually saying because I cant make a picture to get it across to myself. Devon Rex cats are also great animals for people with depression and other mental illnesses as they are so loving and want to be with you all the time.. |
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Post by mariposa0283 on Aug 20, 2009 11:39:24 GMT 10
ratties... little furry prozacs.
i know when im upset about whatever i just give one a squeeze for a minute and ive almost forgot that im having a bad day. them and my kitty are great anti depressants.
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Post by adown88 on Aug 26, 2009 15:41:29 GMT 10
Thanks Kim, ill be sure to check it out |
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Post by toby on Nov 1, 2009 0:13:28 GMT 10
I think the mental health site is a great idea.
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jude
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 22
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Post by jude on Nov 25, 2009 9:02:44 GMT 10
ratties... little furry prozacs. i know when im upset about whatever i just give one a squeeze for a minute and ive almost forgot that im having a bad day. them and my kitty are great anti depressants. LOL "little furry prozacs" just love that. I know exactly what you mean though... they make my husband and I laugh and we just love to sit and watch their antics.... TV is sort of second now to the little ratty girls. |
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Nutmeg
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 12
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Post by Nutmeg on Apr 28, 2010 12:22:16 GMT 10
I have a devon rex & she does want to be with me all the time. She also REALLY picks up on how I am feeling & when I am having a REAL down day she will sit on my stomach & PURR as loud as she can manage. I've even had her wipe the tears from my eyes very gently too...
I also have a Tonkinese cat & she's very much like the devon, she sleeps in bed with me under the covers!
with My depression I'd really struggle to cope or even 'go on' with out my pets..
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gav
Aussie Rat Owner
Posts: 10
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Post by gav on Jun 12, 2010 15:16:32 GMT 10
As someone with a mental illness, I'll look at the other forum, but I will bring my couple of cents to this topic. As a previous owner of both rats and Devon Rex cats (I miss my Millie, but I have to leave her at my parents place because I rent.) Hence why I'm going to rats, they're easier to make vanish during inspection time  Any pet that is affectionate and dependent on a human, will always help during say a depressive phase, as it gives a goal of some description, and they never judge. They love you through thick and thin. It's completely and totally unconditional, and that's why it works so well. |
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Post by shellanne on Aug 24, 2010 3:13:36 GMT 10
Having depression and anxiety, and a son with ADHD and anxiety, I couldn't agree more that rats are fantastic pets. I think for my son with ADHD, rats are better than other pets, because they are very hands on, where as a cat or a dog aren't able to be held like a rat, nothing against other animals (I love all animals), it's just in my experience rats have been the best!
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