By Stan Popovich
Many people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues sometimes have a difficult time taking care of their pets.
As a result, here are six ways on how to take care of your pets while you deal with your mental health issues.
1. Do what is most important: It is important that you take care of your pet’s main needs when you are struggling with your anxieties. Feeding your pet, making sure their healthy, and making sure they are living in a safe environment is what is most important. Remember to focus on taking care of the basic needs for your animals when you are having a difficult time in managing your anxieties.
2. Ask for help: If you have trouble taking care of your animals ask a friend or relative for some help. Some days can be tough to manage when your mental health issues get the best of you. Your friends or relatives will be happy to help you out if your struggling with your anxieties and fears. Do not let your anxieties stop you from adopting a pet.
3. Consider using a pet sitter: There are many pet sitters who would be willing to provide some assistance in making sure your animals are taken care of while your struggling with your mental health. Anxiety and depression can come and go for some people. As a result, some days are better than others. Use the services of a pet sitter when you need it.
4. Plan ahead: If you know you struggle with your mental health, don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how to take care of your pets. Develop a plan so when your mental health issues get the best of you, you will know what to do. This will give you the peace of mind that your animals are being taken care of while you get back on your feet.
5. Learn from your past experiences: Many people struggle with their anxieties on a regular basis. Try to learn from your experiences on how you can take care of yourself and your pets. This will help you the next time you struggle with your mental health because you will be better able to take care of your animals when your anxieties are out of control.
6. Talk to your veterinarian: Talk to your pet’s veterinarian on how to take care of your mental health and your animals at the same time. Remember that many people who deal with depression and anxiety have dogs and cats. The key is knowing what to do when your mental health issues get the best of you. Now is the time to plan ahead when it comes to taking care of your pets.
Remember to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or month when it comes to taking care of your animals and your mental health, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Do not make quick judgements and learn to take things in stride rather than getting upset and anxious.
Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com