Autism and fish keeping.

[xShainax]

I have researched for months on breeding betta's. Also, that catfish is so adorable

[dramaqueen]

Shaina, I don't think Crabby meant YOU personally. I think she meant that anyone who has any kind of medical issue should get it under control. I also think she meant that a person should make sure they can handle breeding physically because there is so much more to it than throwing a male and female together. Please don't take what she said personally. It wasn't directed at you.

[Sakura8]

Agreed. I have severe anxiety and clinical depression. Before I even decide to breed, I know I have to make sure I'm not going to have a breakdown where I can't function enough to care for my fish. If I ever felt like I was on the edge of a breakdown, I would not breed or take on more than I could handle until I knew my mental state could handle the extra stress.

Sooo, let's switch topics and start talking about how therapeutic fish are for people with autism and any other problem that makes dealing with life hard sometimes.

[xShainax]

Well, the filter noise helps me sleep at night.

[dramaqueen]

That's good. I have a friend who has chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia and she uses a white noise machine to help her sleep.

[xShainax]

Watching the fish swim is so peaceful.

[dramaqueen]

Yes, it is. :)

[Sakura8]

I'm the exact opposite. The filter drives me nuts so I have to use earplugs.

[Aus]

I have lifelong arthritis in my lower spine as well as systemic lymph failure (I'd make a terrible betta!), which not only makes it hard to get around but even to pick things up when my hands swell sometimes. It's really painful and the impact on my immune system means I am sometimes rushed off to hospital at the drop of a hat - infections tear through me like nobody's business. The last one, my temp hit 41 in the ambulance..

Anyway. I was pretty worried about fish keeping. Lifting tanks for cleaning, water changes, getting about for supplies.. But so far, things are good. Only one of my tanks needs 3 x weekly cleaning (for my weedy lil fish and his 1.5 g) and Daughter could handle that if I had to go to hospital again. The others could last a week or so without a change no worries.

It's taught me not to be afraid to try new things, within the limits I am given.

[Sakura8]

41! Good lands, that's high! Wow, I'm glad you are okay now. :)

My fish (and cats) give me a reason to get up each morning. If I feel down, I think "I have to get through today. If not for me, then for them." And it works. In their own fishy and furry ways, my pets have probably saved my life many times.