Should I get a pet even if I still struggle with suicidal ideation?

[RosebyAnyName]

I was very suicidal last year and earlier this year. My situation has improved and I am no longer actively suicidal, but I still struggle with ideation.

Would it be irresponsible to get a cat? Maybe even two cats? I'm confident that I have the energy to take care of them and I don't have executive dysfunction, but I worry that something bad will happen and I will be a position again where I feel like suicide is my only answer. I wouldn't want to bring an animal into that.

My main concern is my job / income. It's a stable 9-5 with a union, yet I also fear I will be replaced by AI in five to ten years (no solid evidence, but I try to stay on top of tech news and it's looking bleak).

What should I consider?

 

[Canto XIII]

I think cats can greatly help with mental health, so if you're stable enough as of now I wouldn't deny myself it. I would advise to start with one, preferably a moggy, but I know of people who started with several cats and were just fine.

Edit: But keep in kind that acclimated house cats don't always react well to the introduction of other pets they haven't grown up with into their territory.

 

[PugnaEnjoyer2137]

even if it's only a miniscule thought at the back of your head, that things can work out better (and there's hardly anyone without them) then go for it. I don't know if that's irresponsible, but if you take those cats from street or pet shelter I assure you then won't complain about being finally loved and cared for.
I have two little cats, and even though it was, and sometimes is difficult, I don't regret anything, especially when they jump on you while you're having a mental breakdown.

 

[petmom]

I'd lean to yes. But research A LOT

My mental health has gotten so much worse over the years but I still love my babies so much. They help me a lot and I think I'd be worse without them. It's very nice to have something so positive and wonderful in your life

I think you can have pets while being suicidal. But they are a lot of responsibility. Mental health will impact ability to adequately care for them and has for me. Make caring for them easy so that you can still do it on bad days and in bad seasons. I think for mental health, keep it simple, and that's basically what I've done both with my babies and in other areas.

Financial concern is very valid. I somewhat regret personally not saving up an additional amount before I got mine because of veterinary cost, higher expenses initially (before I knew what I was doing), and then employment and life changes I wasn't expecting. What helped me a bit is knowing the numbers so I can plan, having savings both beforehand and maintaining that fund during, and budgeting and keeping things affordable.

You can search up all sorts of ideas for finances and find good books (I like the ones recommended in the Personal Finance Canada subreddit info. The information applies to many countries)

For pets there may be pet insurance, affordable hacks, ways to build savings and emergency fund, etc. And learn financial literacy if you haven't already. A stable job makes planning easier so you could be in a decent place already

 

[plimeix]

Maybe give fostering a try first, and see how that goes and how you feel about it? I believe some (or most) programs offer financial support as well and you get a trial run of sorts while being a safe space for an animal in need :)