Puppy Blues Self-Check
If you are feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or even regretful since your new arrival, you are not alone, and you are not a bad owner. Around half of new owners feel some version of this. It has a name, the puppy blues, and for most people it passes. This is a gentle reflection, not a test or a diagnosis.
If you are struggling, please talk to someone. Your GP is a good first step and can help with low mood or anxiety. Samaritans are there day or night, for anything, on 116 123 (free to call in the UK and Ireland) or by email at jo@samaritans.org. Talking to another new owner in the community can help too, because so many people have felt exactly this.
A few short statements about how the last week or two has felt. There are no right or wrong answers, and nothing here is scored or judged. It is only here to help you feel less alone and to point you to support if you would like it.
This is a gentle reflection, not a test, a score or a diagnosis. It cannot tell you anything clinical about your mental health, and it is not the validated Puppy Blues Scale. It is only here to help you feel less alone, and to point you to real support if you would like it.
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