101 replies to this topic

[DoneWithCrap]

Hi everyone.

If you remember me, I have been having an awful time both while on and during the tapering process. I mentioned last week that I was adopting a puppy and I finaly took him home on Wednesday. I named him Benzo because I expected that he would help relieve some of my anxiety.

Guess what? It is 100% effective for me!! I went form not sleeping more than an hour or 2 at a time averaging 4 hours a day to 6 to 8 hours of sleep (with Benzo lying beside me) the past two nights. During the day I just smile watching him. 

I'm not getting much housework done but at least I'm interested in trying to do some work around here. Before Benzo, I didn't do much at all except walk around in circles wondering where to start.

My tapering is going well too, with the puppy to distracting me from my symptoms.

 

It's not for everyone, but it is working wonders for me.

 

Take care. You are all in my thoughts and prayers

[FinallyComingBack]

I don't know why it is not better known that pets are the best endorphin-releasers and anti-depressants out there!

[FiveNotions]

New "Rx" for Renee .... "take Benzo as needed"

[fishinghat]

Great Renee!! I am happy for you.

 

And FTB you are totally right about the endorphins and pets.

[DoneWithCrap]

Benzo-dog-hugs-for-pain lol

[thismoment]

"I don't know why it is not better known that pets are the best endorphin-releasers and anti-depressants out there!"

 

Absolutely true! And it's not so much about the pet, but it's about connection and contact. Connection is the fastest healer: you must remember when you were isolated in Cymbalta Zombieosis and you couldn't embrace even the nearest person-- that's disconnection! 

 

We heal much faster in an environment of connection. Hang in there kid.

[FiveNotions]

My three  cats were a Godsend to me ... they gave me a reason to crawl out of bed.. to feed them and deal (oh Lord) with their litter boxes... they somehow knew I was sick and feeling awful and down, so they all came and slept close to me (well, one of them slept on top of me), they followed me to the sofa, the bathroom and everywhere I dragged myself ... just having them to pet and talk to was such a healing help ...

 

I'm looking forward to regular "Benzo reports" from you, Renee! That's one "addiction" I fully support!

[FinallyComingBack]

 

..... I didn't do much at all except walk around in circles wondering where to start.

 

That is that same thing I experience, just as you describe.  Around and around.  It is frustrating beyond anything  ...... 

[FinallyComingBack]

 

And it's not so much about the pet, but it's about connection and contact. Connection is the fastest healer: you must remember when you were isolated in Cymbalta Zombieosis and you couldn't embrace even the nearest person-- that's disconnection! 

 

 

Connection to other people is very important, but pets (animals) bring something singular, something that humans don't bring, to people who need help.  

 

I am involved in animal rescue and many people have told me how it was animals, and for many specifically rescuing animals (wildlife as well as companion animals) that brought them out of the dark hole some trauma put them in, the way nothing else had.

 

Also I am working toward becoming part of a therapy pet program (my dog and perhaps a cat as well will be certified to visit hospitals and nursing homes to bring joy to those who can't have a pet anymore), and I have heard amazing stories of the positive, almost miraculous effect animals had on people who had been non-responsive for years.

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[DoneWithCrap]

FinallyComingBack, I am all out of likes but you get two thumbs up!

I needed this dog more than I ever knew. I rescued him but he saved my life in a different way. I have had to come up with ideas on how to remember if I fed him and how much. I labeled 7 ziplock bags with the days of the week and filled each one with his daily allotment. I have a little better idea of what time it is during the day and, this is big, I know what day of the week it is! I take my meds at the right time and actually go to bed and fall asleep.

My puppy is already pretty much housebroken and I have only had him 3 days.

God truly sent this baby to me.

[DoneWithCrap]

FN, I'm so glad you have your cats. You are right. Animals just seem to know when you need them.

[FiveNotions]

Renee, I'm on my way back to bed after an "old fart pee run" ... just checked in to see what's going on at my favorite place ... saw your post ...

 

Can you post pics of your new "furry antidepressant" ? or a link to pics? I'd love to see Benzo !

[DoneWithCrap]

This is my puppy, Benzo, at work. Better than anything I could buy at the pharmacy. ☺️🐶

[fishinghat]

A beagle!! I love beagles!! Great choice.

[DoneWithCrap]

FH he looks just like a beagle right now but he is going to be large. He is thought to be collie, lab, hound, pointer mix. In other words 100% adorable

[ShadyLady]

Oh, Renee;). What a precious baby you have! I agree with you 100% about "being better than anything I could buy at the pharmacy."
Thanks for sharing, gives me warm fuzzies:)

[DoneWithCrap]

Thank you CymSik. I'm glad his warm fuzzies got to you too 

[ShadyLady]

I think you should use a pic of Benzo (love that name!) as your avatar, right??!!

[TryinginFL]

Me, too!   I agree about the animals - don't know how I could have made it this far without my 2 fur babies!  And, yes, they both sleep on my bed with me!

[ShadyLady]

Where else would they sleep, TiF?! .

[TryinginFL]

Right on, Cym!!  

[DoneWithCrap]

Thanks for your support. I have been trying to figure out how to use a pic of Benzo as my avatar but the file is too large and I haven't been able to figure out how to make it smaller. I don't know how I even posted the pic that I did lol

[DoneWithCrap]

I did it! Benzo is now my avatar

[ShadyLady]

Right on, Sister friend!! I LOVE it & look forward to seeing your posts with your Benzo avatar! Awesome;)

[TryinginFL]

You and Carleeta are really doing the tech thingy tonite!  Hooray for both of you!!!  

[FiveNotions]

aaaawwwww..... clearly Benzo is the drug dog you needed !

[DoneWithCrap]

FN lol You got that right 

[FinallyComingBack]

Every Life Needs Nine Cats!                 

 

 

(or dogs, rats, ferrets, birds .....)

 

Benzo is a looker!  Lucky puppy!  Lucky doggie-mom!

 

 

The independent medical examiner my employer sent me to - aside from being an asshole overall - was of the opinion I had too many pets in my care and I should get rid of some .... like that was somehow going to resolve my health issues (which at that point were being caused by the employer).   In his report he said something about me being devoted to my animals (can anyone else sense the condescension in that remark?), and also something about my not being willing to change my life in favour of making my job the centre of my universe and only reason for existence .....

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[TryinginFL]

Wow, what an ass he is!  It has been proven how helpful animals are in helping humans to a better frame of mind and health.  What planet does he live on??

 

There is no excuse for some people....

[DoneWithCrap]

It sounds to me like the independent medical examiner that your company sent was not so independent and had your company's best interest in mind. Only he is an idiot!
You need your furry cuties to keep you functioning! I don't know why your company sent a medical examiner to check on you but if you are missing work or they feel your job performance would be better with less pets, they should consider how losing some of your pets would make your situation much worse.

Idiots all of them! Hang in there! Pets are the best Rx <3