Impacts of fishkeeping/mental health

[Dalfrey86]

Hey All,

Buckle up folks, because the odds are this will be a lengthy post that shows a different side of fishkeeping. This is not a woe is me post but a general outlet for a different side of this hobby.

I got into fishkeeping after more than a year of research and still admit that I have more to learn. One side that drew me to this hobby was the joy of seeing healthy fish swimming around. Yet as the circle of life dictates there will be losses along the way. I'm okay with that, having raised a dog for 7 years and two children's. Mind you I've been lucky on those avenues so far. As for the fish its been a stressful and sometimes depressing time. I admit I'm young in the hobby but I'll admit the losses in my 10 gallon tank have made entry into the hobby frustrating. Sure I feel depressed that I keep losing fish and have to explain to the kids why it happened. Which is difficult when I don't have all of the answers.

I understand why the King of DIY took a full hour to describe the impacts thid hobby had on him. For me this helps to curb my mental health issues. Trust me when I say there is a laundry list of them. Since being a man in today's society used to mean that we aren't supposed to really display emotions. Which is a load of crap.

What I am getting at is being attuned to the emotions associated with this hobby. As most of the senior members here can attest there will be loses. Despite one's best efforts failure may still happen. It's okay to be stressed out, depressed, angry, and have feelings like you are a failure.

Long and short, don't give up on the stumbling blocks along the way. Things will get better so long as you stay committed to being a diligent fish keeper.

Thanks in advance for the help and I hope this reaches someone that is struggling as I am.

 

[tlindsey]

Personally the Fish keeping hobby has been my therapy for me over the years.

 

[twentyleagues]

I get all the emotional stuff as I have used this hobby and other hobbies to help deal also. I feel fish keeping keeps me.... centered I guess is the best way to say it. I got out of saltwater because my ex said it was causing issues between us in reality it was her causing issues between us and my head in saltwater was my way of dealing with it. I see now that I should have addressed the issues head on, maybe she wouldn't be my ex now.......
Anyway I find it relaxing always have. I'm not new to fish keeping I've done it all my life pretty much. Sounds like you've got newbie issues for sure. I'd definitely make sure you learn the basics inside and out or it won't be enjoyable for you. Ask here on this site anywhere for help. We are always willing to help. We want you to have a good time in fish keeping. Is it work...yes but it shouldn't be something you dread, if it is it's not for you.

 

[Dalfrey86]

This is not something I dread, sure I'm let down that I lost a 10 gallon tank of fish but that's a lot cheaper of a loss than my 55 cichlid tank.

This site has really helped with my learning curve that is for sure.

 

[The Morning]

Smaller tanks can actually be more difficult to maintain the health of the fish. With a larger tank you have more time to react to many issues. The larger water volume gives you a “buffer “ to take corrective action. Something goes sideways in a small tank often times it is too late for the inhabitants by the time you realize there is an issue.

 

[esoxlucius]

The Morning has made a great point there. Also, i'll add that typically small tanks have small fish in them. Generally small fish have shorter lifespans than bigger fish. Bear in mind you could very well be purchasing fish that are well into mid life, even older, when you take them home from your LFS. I think you're being very harsh on yourself.

You'll have to explain to your family that you need a huge tank to house bigger fish that live a lot longer. What an excuse for an upgrade!

 

[Dalfrey86]

The Morning has made a great point there. Also, i'll add that typically small tanks have small fish in them. Generally small fish have shorter lifespans than bigger fish. Bear in mind you could very well be purchasing fish that are well into mid life, even older, when you take them home from your LFS. I think you're being very harsh on yourself.

You'll have to explain to your family that you need a huge tank to house bigger fish that live a lot longer. What an excuse for an upgrade!

I was able to sneak 2 55 gallons in a month, one even being a cichlid tank. See we are thinking along the same vein.

 

[fishguy1978]

There is a proven psychological element to watching fish. The act of sitting if front of an aquarium relaxes the the person. This is why you will find aquariums in doctors offices. I choose to keep peacefulish fish for that reason. There are occasions though where my hobby does cause friction between me and the wife due to the amount of time or money it consumes.

 

[Dalfrey86]

There is a proven psychological element to watching fish. The act of sitting if front of an aquarium relaxes the the person. This is why you will find aquariums in doctors offices. I choose to keep peacefulish fish for that reason. There are occasions though where my hobby does cause friction between me and the wife due to the amount of time or money it consumes.

Totally agree. Part of the reason I got into the hobby.

Helps that the wife supports me despite the exodus of the current tank.

 

[RD.]

The first thing that I do when I get home from work is relax in the fish room with my wife & dog. Through the worst times in my life this hobby has given me a reason and the strength to get up & carry on for another day.