Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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CaptainFibro 05/30/2013

Nothing obliterates my depression like playing with puppies!! Even when they become big puppies.

I don't have any pets anymore and my current landlord doesn't allow them BUT that was one thing that never failed to bring a smile to my face. I soooo need to be allowed to have a dog.

deleted_user 05/30/2013

PUPPIES!!! They are so adorable! Talk about unconditional love, too. I hope your landlord will reconsider.

sepi 05/30/2013

If you are on disability for your bp, I think you can request a letter from your doctor stating that you need a pet and the property management company usually accepts it.

I know someone who lives in low income housing who is not disabled but has depression get approval to bring a small dog. This is in CA so I don't know if laws vary by state.

Good luck getting a puppy.

CaptainFibro 05/30/2013

sepi, that is very good to know! I am currently in the process of getting on disability. I've thought about that before but didn't know if it could be done. Thanks!

deleted_user 05/30/2013

Wholeheartedly agree with this! I fought getting a dog for 13 years. Four months ago, my wife talked me into getting a rescue puppy - the runt of the litter - "for our kids." The dog (a small mixed breed) is sweet, wonderful, and has probably been the best and cheapest therapy I've gotten since being diagnosed with BP.

deleted_user 06/11/2013

Can you volunteer at your local petsmart adoption center or the humane society? I have my own dogs who I love dearly but I also volunteer for the humane society twice a week and I love it. Maybe that is something you can do since your landlord won't let you have puppies.

deleted_user 06/11/2013

My old pdoc encouraged me to get a dog for this very reason. My dog was never a puppy though - he was 5 when we got him from the rescue.

Have you looked into service dogs? They have them for mental illness and your landlord would have to allow it.

deleted_user 06/11/2013

I have 7 living with me right now and would not change a thing

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