Originally posted by K9soul
Pets are indeed wonderful therapy, and I think they always help when feeling down, but true clinical depression can be utterly disabling and sometimes medical treatment is truly necessary. It can be medically treated very successfully. I think too often it's viewed as a sign of weakness when someone resorts to medical treatment of depression, or a sign of strength when someone holds back from medical treatment, since it is not often viewed as much of a disorder as diabetes or hypertension. It is not (usually) someone taking a pill in order to be happy, which seems a common misconception.
K9soul, I agree with you totally and completely - and that is one of the reasons I put this thread in place. I don't think those who reference their pets as a cure mean any harm, just being light-hearted - but it IS a misunderstanding that I wish to clear up - of course it will never be completely the way I wish it could be. But, things DO change. In biblical times, epilepsy was seen as an evil, a sign of possession by the devil. Now, the stigma is being removed. I also have seizures but there are completely controled!!

Likewise, Depression is NOT a weakness, in fact it takes strength to recognize it and seek help when and if it is necessary.