Your Mood and Keeping Herps

[capsicum]

I am just wondering something. Have been thinking about it for quite a while, and thought well maybe others might have answers of their own.

I used to own many small furry critters, and no cold-blooded animals for the longest time. Eventually I gave them up due to allergies and they were no longer producing for me (I was breeding them while studying genetics at the time).

Anyways, I was recently diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, and am wondering if others with mental illness have gained any insight or release while working with herps?

I am asking as I have found that during my "manic" stages I a highly interested in working with my herps (rearranging them, etc), and even more interest in my furred animals. I seem to have a higher energy and want, no...crave information regarding various animals (some may have noticed my interest in fifty thousand different animals on here).

I am truly fascinated with herps. I can't get enough of them...they are different than other "pets", though I just can't explain it.

I was also wondering if others have found manic spending a problem when it comes to herps? Always buying more, even if you can't afford it? I am really glad that I don't have acess to credit cards :p

Anyways, I will probably look at this post later, when I am feeling happier, and wonder or cringe at the thought of posting this. But oh well, I am curious and feel comfortable on this site to seek others of like mind :)

Take care all,
TK

[mykee]

I have OCD and the reptiles have been a plus for me, more to; organize, clean, organize, sort and organize.

[marisa]

Well I don't have any health issues really that would cause the problems or benefits with reptile keeping.

But buying too many animals than one can care for, being obessed with getting more and more is an actual condition....although obviously you don't fall under this category, I thought I'd share this link anyways since its an interesting read:

http://www.tufts.edu/vet/cfa/hoarding/

Anyways, I find when I am stressed out cleaning enclosures, or feeding my snakes calms me down.

Marisa

[joey]

Hey, thanks for posting how you feel! I think animals of any kind help soothe people with depression/bipolar/anxiety/ocd---whatever!

It's been proven that animals calm people down.. have a relaxing affect. When I get upset I also spend time in my snake room or watch my fishies/clean their tanks or take my dog out for a run. All of them have helped me cope many, many times. Bless'em all, I'd be lost without them.

[atw]

Interesting...

I don't know a lot about bipolar but I have heard that a decrease in sleep means more frequent manic periods while an increase in sleep means more low periods. If you say that during manic periods you like to rearrange your reptiles, do you do anything with them during the low periods? If so, perhaps you could chart/anticipate your low and high periods based on what you do with your reptiles?

I won't be surprised if reptiles could help with illnesses just as how dogs can. As you have said, there are a lot of details you can search out with reptiles and there are also a lot of detailed activities associated with them. Perhaps this compulsive aspect of them would help with certain kinds of illnesses. Overall, however, I think that the compulsion issue is common in the reptile world.

Someone on here has a quote that says: '1 snake is too many but 50 is not enough.' I definitely think that is a true statement and perhaps there are tendencies/traits other than compulsiveness that are exhibited and found appealing by people that keep reptiles. I am not sure what these other traits would be but it would be interesting to read a study along these lines.

What other traits do you think reptile keepers have in common?

Adam

[sneaky_boa]

My sister has, for several years now, been diagnosed with bipolar. We have actually had this exact conversation shortly subsequent to the time she was taking care of my snakes when I was in Europe. She found that the reptiles were not 'resposive' enough to her. She currently owns cats and swears by them: responsive when she on her down swings, and independent enough to not need a terrific amount of attention on her up swings. She too found them fascinating, but they were not what she was looking for as far as a pet goes. I guess its a matter of how much companionship and affection you need.....at least for her it was.

[clint545]

I find I can have the crappist day at work or just in general, just be in a foul mood. But once I walk into the "kids" room, and at least one of them pokes their head out, as to kinda say hello, I feel better.
As far as over spending goes, I count to 10, and let it digest for a day or two, before I decide wether I should or shouldn't. My gf is pretty good at bringing me back down, "we don't have the room, wait till we have a house." Plus she threatens if I keep getting herps, than the cat gets a baby sister. :)

[mykee]

Now I find that the only pets that I have in the house that can immediately boost my spirits are my dogs. Just looking that their goofy, smiling faces makes me happy. I cannot say this about my snakes or my torts, or even my ferret. However, it's been proven that dogs as companions or pets dramatically improve the lives and attitudes of those who live with them. As you see dogs travelling to visit retirement homes and hospitals to cheer up the patients, I'm not too sure that reptiles would elicit the same response.

[thunder]

i often handle one of my BCs when i am depressed or angry, and their slow, deliberate motions always calm me down. its kind of a zen thing for me, like a living stress ball and screen saver rolled into one. plus it gives me a chance to check up on them, listen to their breathing and making sure they are growing right. also, i, like mykee, am ocd, and i take pleasue in keeping my collection super organized, with charts for everything.

[Nicky]

I also find playing or just even watching my snakes when i'm upset, makes me dramitacly calmer and able to think. I sometimes find myself just watching them for an hour or so during the middle of my studies lol. something about thier habbits just totally mistifies me. Plus my cornsnake is the oddest snake i've ever had the pleasure of owning.

[peterm15]

it tends to work with anything... its just a matter of being happy at doing something...

myself being bipolar i found that on any given day it can be any given thing that will make me happier or take my mind off stuff.... doesnt help with sleep though...... at least not with me....

on my down days i can do many things from playing with my leos to madel cars to just plain spending money...lol

i will say that owning pets is great no matter what they are.. i think its the fact of having to take care of something and worry about there probs not just yours...

[munchy]

Originally posted by mykee
Now I find that the only pets that I have in the house that can immediately boost my spirits are my dogs.

id have to make a similar statement but with cats instead of dogs...
if i had to choose between my cats or my whole snake collection it would be hard but id probably have to say goodbye to the snakes. :(

[D J N]

I donno about any mental disorders but that just means they havn't been diagnosed yet lol but seriously I have always loved animals and retiples and invers more then other but in my case it might have been more enviromental becuase my father is an entomologists so i guess it's in ma blood.

[Slannesh]

I think pets in any form do a good job of 'grounding' people to some extent... I know both of our cats are great when you've just had a really crap day, they always just sort of appear in your lap and cuddle up.

My lizards and snake aren't quite so loving ;) But I find them fascinating. I was quite surprised at the range of personality that leopard geckos exhibit.

though I have to say for just plain vegging out value my fishtank is probably the best. I actually find myself turning around and watching the fish during commercial breaks on TV and half the time forget to go back to my show after the commercials are over!

[atw]

I find that watching and handling reptiles has the same effect as watching fire... it is very relaxing and it can be trace like... time slips away, I definitely prefer watching reptiles to watching television... no doubt about that. I become angry with TV but with reptiles, I forget about everything.

Mykee,

I think that the only reason for why reptiles would not have the same benefits as dogs would be because the way we are socialized to perceive reptiles. I am sure you know what I mean: lizards carry diseases; snakes are evil, only kids have lizards as pets, snakes are dangerous, etc. My favourite question is: 'does it bite?' I mean, come on, cats bite you all the time but that doesn't stop you from having them as pets. Anyway, that last comment is a little of topic but ultimately, if the stigmas were removed, I think reptiles could used the same way.

peterm15 said, 'it tends to work with anything.' In other words, it is just a matter of perception. If it is a matter of perception, I think some related questions would be: what traits do people that perceive reptiles are mentally beneficial have in common? If you could compile such a list you could relate such traits to mental disorders that are characterized by either a lack or surplus of such traits, in order to order to create and verify a hypothesis on the matter. This would only matter of course if scientific proof was important to you but to me, I often don't really value what science has to say as it is just another form of religion.

[mykee]

ATW; I appreciate your post, and I completely understand where you are coming from, but aside from the societal implications of having a reptile soothe a "weary soul" or calm a nervous senior, being completely unbiased of course, I think it's something in the fur of a dog or even a cat (whether I hate them or not) that soothes and relaxes on a physical level.

[Double J]

Originally posted by atw
I find that watching and handling reptiles has the same effect as watching fire... it is very relaxing and it can be trace like... time slips away, I definitely prefer watching reptiles to watching television... no doubt about that. I become angry with TV but with reptiles, I forget about everything.


I couldn't agree with you more. There are a number of ways that my herp collection benefits me psychologically.
First, it is something that allows me to have a healthy sense of control. In my frog room, I am in charge of every aspect with nobody to question my authority. That said, I am still kept down to earth, as an abuse of my power (such as laziness) could result in death or a health compromise for any given animal. It is my passion for my amphibian keeping and conservation that fuels my desire to be in this hobby in the first place.

My frogs humble me.

I gaze upon, for example, my blue poison dart frogs, and it reminds me of a number of things. It helps me to remember to think about where the water might go when I flush the toilet, or what happens to the wetlands and the life around me when people spray their lawns with weedkillers and insecticides. I now think twice about driving to the store, when I could just walk. I also now pass on the beef from McDonalds..... I have been to Peru and have seen the degredation of the rainforest due to poorly managed cattle farms n South and Central America, and the demand placed for them by well nourished North Americans. My dart frogs remind me that there is more to life than what goes on in the concrete trappings of my cold and dreary city. They remind me that life is more important than "the bottom line."
Somebody once told me that because of the level of precision and control I enjoy as a part of my amphibian husbandry, I am guilty of having some sort of a god-complex. I whole heartedly disagree. If anything, I am humbled by the mere simple aspects of their life. These little frogs in a glass box instead pull me down from my human pedestal, and remind me that I am merely an ape with dexterous thumbs, and my fossil fuel burning, waste producing lifestyle is destroying their habitat and robbing future forests, and their inhabitants of existence.

My frogs have taught me many lessons.

They have made a large impact upon my lifestyle, and the way I think.

I think everyone should have dart frogs

[thunder]

what you have written is very beautiful. i believe you have summed up the most wonderful parts of the hobby very well, and i am glad to have read it.

[Dani33]

Wothout a doubt, animals make me feel better. I foget about everything when I'm in my herp room.

I have to agree with Mykee though. My dogs are the best!!!!!!
Look at these little brutes, what is there not to love.....

http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/503/3313Wendell_and_Lucy.jpg

They are playing with a stuffed pork chop in the pic.

The little red one brings me more joy than almost anything. When I come home, she wags her tail so hard her whole bottom half moves :) She likes to lay on her belly and swin on the carpet towards me when she's happy. She karate chops dogs that she meets on the street (literally). She spoons with me at night and wakes us up by licking our faces. It's her way of saying that she has to pee. Nothing better than that. I wouldn't trade her for anything... $hit, I can't even sleep without them near us.

[SerpentLust]

I whole heartedly agree with everyone. Pet Therapy is an amazing thing. My spotted python and my male beardie help the most. Bad day, bad week, whatever it is. Go into the kids room, clean out their cages, just feeding them or just watching them be themselves. It's like watching a fire as was previously mentioned, or for me, going for a hike at my favourite trails and watching the water tumble down the mini falls and rapids.

I find they especially help in the winter, I think most people get a bit of depression then. It gets dark and cold and dreary.

Jenn

[joey]

Double J, you hit the spot. I too, loved what you wrote---along with everyone else.


There is nothing like coming home from a crappy day at work and opening the door to find a sqealing pup that's so delighted to see you.....brings a smile everytime. !!

[dave68]

Amen Double J!!!!!!!

Dave

[beanersmysav]

I'm glad someone posted on such a topic. I've been diagnosed since I was 13 or 14 with depression, and severe anxiety. Makes your life a hassle and sometimes seemingly not worth living. However since I've been caring for my reptiles I am way too busy to let the little things in life get to me like they used to. I started out at 15 with a Savannah Monitor, and for awhile that was enough to keep me stable along with my Austrailian Cattle Dog, at the time he was just a pup. It only kept me occupied because I was reading over 20 websites a day

Now years later I find myslef with quite the collection, and still find I have tons and tons of free time which is why I want to start breeding before I buy a ton more animals. I think caring for a ton of babies will cure my desire to harbor many reptiles at once.

It's all good to know theres others on here that have similar conditions and openly admit it, I've always felt a closer bond with people like that. Maybe I'm just odd ;-)

[capsicum]

I must admit, I am very greatful to hear from so many others who have an interest, in one way or another, in mental illness. I will be going through and responding to individual posts since there are so many great replies :D I just need a couple of days to get back on my feet and be able to reply with a clear head (what's that? LOL).

I just wanted to thank everyone who responded :) It means a lot to know that I am not the only one going through these things :)

TK

[chas*e]

Having an "Addictive Personallity" really works for me in the reptile hobby...started with just one snake ..now have to have more... until herping affects my lifestyle and finances....aaawww normal again.

[LISA127]

Originally posted by mykee
ATW; I appreciate your post, and I completely understand where you are coming from, but aside from the societal implications of having a reptile soothe a "weary soul" or calm a nervous senior, being completely unbiased of course, I think it's something in the fur of a dog or even a cat (whether I hate them or not) that soothes and relaxes on a physical level.

I personally don't think it's the fur either. I am owned by two cats and a dog, and I of course keep reptiles. Though I love reptiles and find them fascinating, no animal will ever mean to me what my dog does. It's not the fur or the acceptance by society. It's the mutual love and connection between me and my dog. It's the friendship, the trust, and the bond. You don't get that from any reptile.

[capsicum]

Originally posted by atw
Interesting...

I don't know a lot about bipolar but I have heard that a decrease in sleep means more frequent manic periods while an increase in sleep means more low periods. If you say that during manic periods you like to rearrange your reptiles, do you do anything with them during the low periods? If so, perhaps you could chart/anticipate your low and high periods based on what you do with your reptiles?
[snippage]
Someone on here has a quote that says: '1 snake is too many but 50 is not enough.' I definitely think that is a true statement and perhaps there are tendencies/traits other than compulsiveness that are exhibited and found appealing by people that keep reptiles. I am not sure what these other traits would be but it would be interesting to read a study along these lines.

What other traits do you think reptile keepers have in common?

Adam

Adam,

I have found that when I am having a low period, I really do not want to be anywhere near my animals, although the cats really do help -- I feel loved and needed, and it helps me stay focused on getting through the lows :)

I rarely want to handle my furry pets (other than cats), but when I am down I actually enjoy handling the babies. I love baby rats, so sweet and innocent. The herps I enjoy watching :)

I am not sure if I could actually chart my roller-coaster rides (lol), but sure is worth looking into, thank you for that suggestion.

As for other traits that herpers share, I am not sure. I think that true herpers enjoy life, regardless if it is rats or rat snakes :p I think that we are very much like any other type of animal-loving community. I used to be a member of many rat forums, and found that they loved them dearly, and worked with them as closely as do many herpers here.

I feel almost elated at times, when I pick up one of my animals, and just be with them. I have no expectations to live up to, no one to answer to, etc. They don't expect anything from us, and that feels so wonderful to me :D

Take care,
TK

[capsicum]

Originally posted by sneaky_boa
My sister has, for several years now, been diagnosed with bipolar. We have actually had this exact conversation shortly subsequent to the time she was taking care of my snakes when I was in Europe. She found that the reptiles were not 'resposive' enough to her. She currently owns cats and swears by them: responsive when she on her down swings, and independent enough to not need a terrific amount of attention on her up swings. She too found them fascinating, but they were not what she was looking for as far as a pet goes. I guess its a matter of how much companionship and affection you need.....at least for her it was.

I can completely understand the attraction to cats. I have 4 currently, and wouldn't want to be without them. They do have amazing personalities, but also they seem to know when you need a gentle kneeding :)

As for the herps, they are different, however I find that they are very....how can I put this...what's the word...primal? I don't know if that makes any sense. They have no need for modern realities, and physical improvements. They simply are, and don't need anyone telling them how to be.

The feeling of a snake using your hands to stay warm, or feeling them breathe is just amazing. They calm me and allow me to focus on me :)

TK

[capsicum]

Originally posted by peterm15
it tends to work with anything... its just a matter of being happy at doing something...

myself being bipolar i found that on any given day it can be any given thing that will make me happier or take my mind off stuff.... doesnt help with sleep though...... at least not with me....

on my down days i can do many things from playing with my leos to madel cars to just plain spending money...lol

i will say that owning pets is great no matter what they are.. i think its the fact of having to take care of something and worry about there probs not just yours...

I completely agree with your last statement :D I also become happy over something so simple...but can also dive down again with something just as simple.

I haven't found anything that helps with sleep, lol! I was an insomniac for the longest time, now on Seraquel I sleep all the time :o

TK

[capsicum]

Originally posted by beanersmysav
I'm glad someone posted on such a topic. I've been diagnosed since I was 13 or 14 with depression, and severe anxiety. Makes your life a hassle and sometimes seemingly not worth living. However since I've been caring for my reptiles I am way too busy to let the little things in life get to me like they used to. I started out at 15 with a Savannah Monitor, and for awhile that was enough to keep me stable along with my Austrailian Cattle Dog, at the time he was just a pup. It only kept me occupied because I was reading over 20 websites a day

Now years later I find myslef with quite the collection, and still find I have tons and tons of free time which is why I want to start breeding before I buy a ton more animals. I think caring for a ton of babies will cure my desire to harbor many reptiles at once.

It's all good to know theres others on here that have similar conditions and openly admit it, I've always felt a closer bond with people like that. Maybe I'm just odd ;-)

I, too, suffer from severe (social) anxiety, which makes it difficult to do anything outside of my home. I hate going out unless it is needed, or it is something I have wanted to do for the longest time.

If it is something to do with herps, I am happy to go out and do it. It still takes a lot to get me out of the house, but if I can take one step, then another, it will slowly happen :)

I would really like to get a dog, one of my own (nothing like having the hubbies dog jealous of you :rolleyes: ). I miss my farm dogs (family used to live on a farm, where we had 4 dogs, 2 of mine...they moved and had to give them up :( ). If we can figure it out, then hopefully I can get a small dog that can be box trained (to use a large cat box). I would really like that :)

TK

[capsicum]

One thing I find, for myself, is that I am constantly reading about herps. If I can find a good website with lots of pictures and lots of information, then I will be there as long as possible. I am "addicted" to information as it seems.

It helps to make me tired too, so that I will sleep (although now I sleep too much). Lately I haven't found too many sites that can keep my interest lately, though I think it is more about adjusting to medication.

Another big issue that I have is forgetting. I always forget to feed the animals, luckily Gary (who is Bipolar as well), always remembers :) He is a perfectionist, and enjoys cleaning and organizing things. He is always changing around the cages and furry animals. He loves to feed the leos and beardies, and will decorate their enclosures to look as natural as possible.

Does anyone here, who has some sort of mental illness, have a partner or spouse with a similar illness? I am wondering how it works for you. Do you feed off of each other's moods, or do you opperate seperately?

We tend to feed off of each other. If we are aware of it, then we can change it (luckily, lol!). It also helps that we understand what the other is going through. Although, he truly does not have the addictive nature of animals :p I certianly do ;)

TK