I've been feeling anxious and depressed since my puppy arrived

@patou88 Thanks for your reply. I’m seeing an energy healer, using Chinese medicine and seeing my GP!! In 10 days' time I have an appointment with a psychologist! Have a lovely day

Hi, I’m in the same boat as “owner in distress”! I’ve just come through a difficult battle with cancer and I’m really struggling to get used to this puppy we picked up from a breeder 10 days ago. He is absolutely adorable, but the problem is me!! I feel so guilty whenever I leave him alone and I feel like I’ve got a ball and chain around my ankle! I’ve never had a dog before in my life and I’m 53. My husband is doing his best to help (he’s the one who wanted a dog originally, although I did agree to it); he used to spend all his time on his tablet, but now this is getting him out and about... But I just can’t seem to settle; I’ve felt so anxious inside since he arrived (I’ve inherited that from my mum and dad!). I’m looking for some reassurance from people that in a few weeks' time, things will be easier and I’ll have settled into it. Hi! Yes, it really will pass. For my part, I got Tosca two months after Oggy, my previous dog, passed away, and I can tell you I really struggled at first. I can’t quite explain why, but I think I had such a strong bond with Oggy that I found it hard to accept a new puppy. I felt like she didn't understand a thing, and that we’d never "get" each other... plus there’s all the work that comes with a puppy. I was living in a flat at the time, so dealing with all the accidents and the constant walks meant I was really struggling. But it passed completely. I took her to puppy classes and realised she understood commands perfectly if we just took the time to teach her. The trainer told me she was a little gem—she learned in one session what takes others months! Then we were lucky enough to move into a house... anyway, she’s a year old now and we have such a great bond, I couldn't be without her. It took a month or two, I can’t quite remember, but yes, you do feel overwhelmed, tired, and crushed by the responsibility of a little pup. It’s a good sign, though—it shows you want to do right by them, so yes, it does pass. My advice is to spend time playing, having cuddles, and going for walks; that’s what builds that bond. Don’t fret, you’re going to form a wonderful friendship. I’m sure of it!

Hi there, do try to figure out if it really is the arrival of the puppy that's triggering these anxiety and panic attacks. I went through a phase where I was so depressed because nothing in my life was going right – my love life, family and work were all falling apart. One day I realised I was just lacking some affection, so I got a dog. At first, I was just like you; there were times I actually regretted having him there. But as I spent more time with him, I slowly got my spark back. As the months went by, I eventually realised I was doing better because of him, and my love for him just grew and grew. He was my greatest love story for 14 years. When you're struggling, it’s hard enough to look after yourself, but caring for another living soul changes your life. You might have doubts or feel scared, but it’s only temporary. He’ll bring you nothing but happiness – after all, how could a little pet actually ruin your health? He’ll be by your side through thick and thin.

Hi there, Huge congratulations on beating cancer :-) Right now, there are people in slums having a smoke in the sun, surrounded by stray dogs with their ribs showing, and they aren't feeling any stress at all. Meanwhile, you’re feeling incredibly stressed after buying a puppy from a breeder to bring back to a comfy home. It’s important to realise that the situation itself isn’t actually that problematic; it’s you who is weaving this web of anxiety, guilt, and stress around it. (Sometimes just putting things into perspective is enough to let the pressure off.) I think you’re feeling particularly guilty because you bought this puppy; you feel like you’ve "treated yourself" and now you’re worried you can't cope. You know what? Just let it all go. If it helps, imagine you’ve simply taken in a rescue pup! (I’m certain you wouldn’t be nearly as stressed if that were the case). Leave the puppy with your partner if you need to get some fresh air on your own, and go spend some time with your friends :-) The "puppy blues" never last very long... in the meantime, you just need to take a deep breath and keep your chin up.

You really should go and see your GP. As I said, don’t try to cope with this on your own. You need support from professionals who know what they’re doing in this area. It’s possible that the puppy’s arrival has stirred up certain emotions—the responsibility of looking after another living thing, the pressure, the fear of failing... If you need a few weeks of therapy to sort through it all, then go for it. Based on medical advice, of course, not just mine. Since I don’t know you personally and I’m not qualified, I can only point you in the right direction. I wouldn’t feel right just telling someone who is crying all the time that ‘it’ll pass’... everyone has their own journey. It’s the same with the ‘puppy blues’—it might not necessarily be what’s happening with you. Hang in there, and take the necessary steps to look after yourself. Feeling low sometimes isn't a weakness; it’s like the sun and the rain in life—it’s natural, and we can’t always be at our best. Try to take the pressure off yourself and allow your mind some rest. 😉

Hi everyone, Thank you for your messages. I’m feeling worse and worse. I’m honestly crying all the time. I really don’t understand what’s happening to me.