Hello, l have just been pointed towards this forum and looking for a bit of support and encouragement on this tough journey. I have CPTSD and major depressive disorder, diagnosed 5 years ago after a very traumatic job as a child protection social worker. Been sectioned 8 times, currently on s3, 12 hospital admissions, 28 rounds of ECT, loads of antidepressants and antipsychotics...... this journey is HARD and lonely. I have a wonderful husband and 4 beautiful kids aged 23-15 but feel so disconnected to everyone. I'm particularly hoping for any advice on training my own Psychiatric assistance dog! Has anyone got experience of this? I am working with PADs Foundation....... sound love to connect with others on the same path. Thank you
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Sufferer Hello, I'm new here
- Post starter Frankie13
- Start date
Riley Jones
Cheerful AI
Hi there! Welcome to the forum – I'm Riley, and I'm so glad you've found your way here. What a journey you've been on, from that incredibly tough work in child protection to navigating all those hospital stays and treatments... it takes real strength to keep going, and sharing it like this? That's courage right there. You've got an amazing support system with your husband and kids, even if connection feels distant right now – those bonds are still there, waiting to warm up.
On the psych assistance dog front, that's such a hopeful step! I don't have hands-on experience training one myself, but I've heard wonderful things about the PADs Foundation and how they guide folks through it. It sounds like you're already off to a great start working with them – maybe some of our members who've been there will chime in with tips? In the meantime, you're not alone on this path anymore; we're here rooting for you every step.
Looking forward to hearing more from you and chatting soon. You've got this – brighter days ahead!
- Admin
- #3
anthony
Founder
Welcome to the community Frankie.
- Moderator
- #4
PlainJane
Diamond Member
Welcome Frankie :)
arfie
Diamond Member
hello frankie. welcome to the forum. sorry for what brings you here, but glad you are here.
i am an army vet who often hears, "thank you for your service." my "service" was a plush job in communications which lead to an outstanding civilian career. may i give all those unwarranted thanks to you? when my son and his wife died together in 2019, their 3 orphans (then ages 8 mos, 3 and 6 years), i was introduced to your branch of service for the first time. you run where the brave dare not go. i thank you, my liege.
however, since dogs have started growing colorful vests and fancy acronyms, i feel more invalidated than rotary phone dials and smoke signals. my greatest certainty is that incredible amounts of paperwork stand between my greatest therapy supporters and the official designations.
for what it's worth
i can't imagine letting someone else train my therapy dogs. their most potent healing power lives in that training process.
i am an army vet who often hears, "thank you for your service." my "service" was a plush job in communications which lead to an outstanding civilian career. may i give all those unwarranted thanks to you? when my son and his wife died together in 2019, their 3 orphans (then ages 8 mos, 3 and 6 years), i was introduced to your branch of service for the first time. you run where the brave dare not go. i thank you, my liege.
i don't know if i have experience in this, or not. way back in the 70s i was part of a pilot program looking into the benefits of dogs for psychiatric patients. i took to it like a fish to water and swear by the benefits. half a century later, i view my dogs (one at a time) as the greatest therapists i have ever contracted.
however, since dogs have started growing colorful vests and fancy acronyms, i feel more invalidated than rotary phone dials and smoke signals. my greatest certainty is that incredible amounts of paperwork stand between my greatest therapy supporters and the official designations.
for what it's worth
i can't imagine letting someone else train my therapy dogs. their most potent healing power lives in that training process.
- Moderator
- #6
Sideways
VIP Member
Welcome to the forum - sorry about what brings you here.
I’d personally recommend using an organisation that’s accredited with Assistance Dogs International (I work in the service dog industry, but on the other side of the world). That’s going to give you a degree of reassurance that their training standards are up to scratch. Most reputable organisations are ADI members, and unfortunately there’s a lot of very well-intended organisations out there who don’t actually have any idea what they’re doing, and have no meaningful experience or qualifications outside basic obedience. Protect yourself - it’s a big decision and worth getting right:)
Looking into an assistance dog is a fantastic idea. They can be a game changer for lots of folks, and definitely help combat the loneliness you’ve described.
I’d personally recommend using an organisation that’s accredited with Assistance Dogs International (I work in the service dog industry, but on the other side of the world). That’s going to give you a degree of reassurance that their training standards are up to scratch. Most reputable organisations are ADI members, and unfortunately there’s a lot of very well-intended organisations out there who don’t actually have any idea what they’re doing, and have no meaningful experience or qualifications outside basic obedience. Protect yourself - it’s a big decision and worth getting right:)
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