Therepy Beardie

[Xanelic]

Does anyone else use their beardie as a way to calm themselves down?

I usually let Dog cuddle up against me and I just hold him when I'm having a depressive episode or a PTSD flashback because his scales moving around on me helps and when he's sleeping on me, he shows me that he trusts me.

I recently had a horrible episode and I let him crawl onto my hand and I calmed down a bit,

-Matthias

 

[Xanelic]

Here are pictures of the baby pup

 

[SarahHardy]

Your little baby beardie is too precious! Yes, I do the same thing with mine. I'm in college now and my little guy calms me down whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed with work and studying. They're such sweet little companions!

 

[Aaradimian]

Hi there,

I don't think it's unusual for someone suffering from PTSD/Depression to find comfort in a pet, whether a dog, cat, or beardie. I have suffered from major depression since childhood and I find that pets are a godsend. They're non-judgemental, there when you need them, and can show a simple kind of love that's sometimes hard to find elsewhere. While I find that the current fad of people carrying around their little fru-fru dogs in baskets and calling them "service animals" pretty annoying because it's a health hazard and trivializes the needs of those who genuinely struggle, but if you're suffering and your little lizard friend helps, then more power to you. I know my BD Otto is a great companion and lifts my mood considerably when I need to get away from humans for a while.
The article below is a good one about a girl and her therapy dragon. Just looking at her face, you can tell how much joy her beardie brings her, and that can only be a good thing IMO. Glad to hear yours does the same, and hang in there!

https://www.wacotrib.com/waco_today_magazine/teenager-s-bearded-dragon-helps-ease-her-anxiety/article_644f1a32-ea54-5c59-8415-783882eec780.html

-Dan

 

[Lorilyn]

I bought mine in to work and the other secretary there said we should have her come in all the time because we have a very high stress job (school secretary with 1100 11-13 year olds) and just holding her and petting her she felt so much less stress. Because she was so calm and chill it seemed to help ease the daily stress.

 

[Xanelic]

I bought mine in to work and the other secretary there said we should have her come in all the time because we have a very high stress job (school secretary with 1100 11-13 year olds) and just holding her and petting her she felt so much less stress. Because she was so calm and chill it seemed to help ease the daily stress.

Wish I could bring my beardie to places that stress me out with me. Though, I'm young so I can't bring him in a school full of ravage teens :lol:
But I do kiss his tiny head before I leave and it helps me a bit because he's so cute.. And he loves me

 

[Lorilyn]

I bought mine in to work and the other secretary there said we should have her come in all the time because we have a very high stress job (school secretary with 1100 11-13 year olds) and just holding her and petting her she felt so much less stress. Because she was so calm and chill it seemed to help ease the daily stress.

Wish I could bring my beardie to places that stress me out with me. Though, I'm young so I can't bring him in a school full of ravage teens :lol:
But I do kiss his tiny head before I leave and it helps me a bit because he's so cute.. And he loves me

I wish I could bring her to school with me everyday. I think she would help lots of our anxious students learn to be calm. But unfortunately our principal is very afraid of her and said no way. LOL I’m glad she helps you deal with stress. Just remeber when you start feeling over pressured and stressed that your Beardie is waiting for your hugs and kisses!

 

[ROOMA]

I got mine as a Emotional Support Animal, Ouros has been great in this regard. I can not have fur animals as I do catering and baking, topped with lease agreements with my store/house, and the fact...well I am autistic with multiple autoimmune issues. I do not know if they can sense I am dying and or mentally broken but mammals frack stay away from me and shy off. Reptiles....they love you for your heat, and the hand that feeds, they do not judge.

I do not handle him as much as I should, the feeders he gets eat stuff I react to, so I have to be cautions when handling his food with tweezers and washing my hands well after handling him.
Will probably post a update soon on him.

 

[Xanelic]

I got mine as a Emotional Support Animal, Ouros has been great in this regard. I can not have fur animals as I do catering and baking, topped with lease agreements with my store/house, and the fact...well I am autistic with multiple autoimmune issues. I do not know if they can sense I am dying and or mentally broken but mammals frack stay away from me and shy off. Reptiles....they love you for your heat, and the hand that feeds, they do not judge.

I do not handle him as much as I should, the feeders he gets eat stuff I react to, so I have to be cautions when handling his food with tweezers and washing my hands well after handling him.
Will probably post a update soon on him.

I'm glad that your beardie is helping you so much! Indeed, reptiles don't judge unless you harm them and I can see that you're taking great care of Ouros. I can't handle mammals because even though I love them, they require so many things that I just don't have the time for (rats, hedgehogs, cats, etc

My ptsd and (manic) depression constantly thinks my life is garbage but with my beardie, he needs me because he trusts me and relies on me for attention, food, love, and his own life in general since my parents.. Well.. They don't love him but they like him?

I hope everything will go well with you and your beardie!

 

[dezismom]

Xanelic, your baby is beautiful!
My DeziLu definitely calms me, and I think he knows when I am stressed. Also, when I am in pain, he seems to react by being extra snuggly...contact with him is my best medicine! I take him with me almost everywhere. I have a soft dog carrier that looks like a designer bag, only has mesh sides for air and to look out of. He travels in that, and most people do not even know that a live animal is in there. In restraunts and other places that might not approve of a lizard, I cover the mesh ends with magazines, and am respectful, I do not get him out, or open his bag. But in most places, people welcome him. I am in a wheelchair, and have found that many people are uncomfortable with my disability. Because people feel awkward, they often just ignore me--they are not sure what to say, so they wont even meet my eyes. I do not want special treatment, or sympathy, but it can be quite lonely to be in a crowd of people and feel so alone. When Dezi is on my shoulder or lap, people ask questions about him. They are more comfortable with approaching me...once we start to talk, they forget about my wheelchair, and treat me like anyone else. Then, others also relax and act more normal around me...It has changed my life! I guess Dezi could be called my "therapy animal", even though he does not have any special certification that says so.

My beardie makes me feel better, too! --emotionally, physically, and in so many ways. I have had other types of pets, but Dezi is different. He is more than just a pet; he is my friend, my companion. We have a mental bond that goes beyond the normal human/animal relationship. -beardies are truly amazing creatures!