Should I give away me pets! I'm depressed.

Hi guys. I had cockatiels (birds) for about 3 years already. They live outdoors in an aviary. I have always been back and fourth with giving them away or keeping them. I have noticed that this year I was having mood swings. It's possible that I'm Bipolar. I got evaluated this week and I'm getting the results next week.

I have been depressed since this year. i am depressed right now and I feel like I don't like my birds anymore. I love them but I feel like I can't care for them anymore. Feeding them daily has been hard for me. I just don't feel interested in them anymore. Do you think it would be better If I just gave them away. I have a big connection with them but I feel like it's a burden. I have no other hobbies besides for birds and sometimes I don't even think birds are my hobbies. My life is just a sad mess.

And everyone, please be very nice in your posts. I tend to take minor things as a huge offense. thank you everyone.

I suggest you wait until your results come back, then when you know what you have you can start working on your problems. Until then, I suggest you do not make any big changes in your life that aren't of necessity.

Instead of giving them away do you have anyone who lives close to you that might be willing to help take care of them, even if it's just feeding them on the weekend to give you a break? You may eventually regret giving them away and with depression sometimes taking care of a pet can help give you a sense of purpose. However if you continue to feel like they are a burden and are having difficulty doing the basic care then it may be best to find them a new home.

And I agree with bluejayinthebay, as long as you can still do the basic things they need like feed them waiting till you get a diagnosis and some treatment may be best before making any big life changes.

If your birds are your only hobby then please don't give them away. Use them as something that you need to do to keep you going. When your depression isn't bad do you like your bird again? I know for me one of the things that keep me from killing myself is my dog. I know I have to take care of him and that he needs me. Other people would care for him if I was gone, but I know that he needs ME and taking care of him, even when I don't want to, gives me a reason not to kill myself.

Thank you guys so much. I can still feed them and do basic care for them. When I'm not depressed I love them. My birds keep me alive every day. If it wasn't for them then I wouldn't have a single purpose in this life. I don't think I would make it till now without them. I'm so glad I can talk to people that know exactly how I feel. I can't thank you guys enough!

Haimovfids, I am glad that you have a reason to go on! (((HUGS))) If you ever need someone to talk to I would be happy to talk with you!

Thank you! Your so kind.

Hey guys. Kinda wierd news, I bought 2 more birds!! I'm so happy! Don't worry, something's not wrong with me. Okay, maybe there is, hehe.

Yeah! That is cool!! I love animals! I hope that you are enjoying them!!!

Haimovfids, I am wondering how you are doing?

Thank you for wondering. I don't really know. I messed myself up all because of my Depression. It made damage that I cannot fix. Thankfully it wasn't in my life but it was in the only 3 bird forums I go on. I feel like I wish I didn't exist. It's a long story. Thank you for caring.