I am a DEPRESSED HAMSTER

So Fresh So Clean - 2005-12-10 10:40 PM

Solution - move to So. Cal. Oh I wish. But at the very least, now that it's not biking season, us Canadians have plenty of time to rip waves in the pool and WIN THE CHALLENGE!!!

For example, if the animals spend more time hovering near the walls of their containers, rather than at the center, it's believed they feel more anxious. If they decline to slurp up tempting offers of sugar water, scientists take it as a sign of depression. Another test involves placing the animals in water and seeing if they swim or simply give up and float. Hamsters don't sink apparently, but float in water.

"The sooner they give up in the water, the more depressed they are," Pyter said. "If you give them an antidepressant they don't give up as quickly."

stupidnickname - 2005-12-10 12:02 PM"Does the Onset of Winter Make You Sad? Tips For Beating Seasonal BluesBy AMANDA ONIONDec. 9, 2005 — As the days grow shorter and cold, and darkness settles in, some begin to feel a little blue — hamsters and people alike.Up to 20 percent of Americans report they feel more depressed during the winter months as a result of a condition known as seasonal affective disorder. Now scientists have shown that hamsters experience the same sluggishness when their exposure to light is reduced. By studying these sad hamsters, the researchers hope to find new ways of helping people combat seasonal depression."

ride_like_u_stole_it - 2005-12-13 3:46 PM

Did anyone give the hampsters the option of drinking heavily and eating a lot of deep-fried stuff while watching christmas cartoons?.....Well did they?....Jeeze, and they call themselves scientists.

deepbluesea - 2005-12-13 1:52 PM

I've only read the initial post, but my first thought upon seeing the subject line was, "of COURSE you posted this".

watergirl - 2005-12-13 2:10 PM

And if they were triathlete hamsters, they weren't drinking the sugar water because they were arguing over which kind to buy.