"It's Just Me and Nature": A Narrative Inquiry Into Mental Health and Home Aquariums

Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health disorders globally, often leading to significant impairments in daily functioning. While traditional treatments are practical, complementary approaches-such as nature-based and animal-assisted therapies-are gaining recognition, home aquariums may offer a safe, accessible, and underexplored therapeutic modality for individuals experiencing these conditions.

This study aimed to explore the experiences of individuals with depression and/or anxiety who interact daily with fish in a home aquarium, using narrative inquiry to understand the therapeutic potential of fishkeeping.

A qualitative narrative inquiry design guided by Clandinin and Connelly's framework and Smith and Liehr's Story Theory was employed. Seven participants were recruited through social media and interviewed via Zoom. Data were analyzed through the dimensions of temporality, sociality, and spatiality to uncover patterns and meaning in participants' stories.

Participants described fishkeeping as a source of emotional therapy, social connection, and personal growth. Themes included reconnecting with memories, finding purpose through caregiving, and experiencing calm and creativity through aquascaping. The aquarium served as a therapeutic environment that fostered resilience, reduced stress, and enhanced well-being.

Home aquariums offer a nature-based, person-centered approach to mental health, fostering comfort, creativity, and resilience. This study supports integrating animal-assisted therapies into holistic models. Future research is needed to explore broader applications, long-term outcomes, and comparative efficacy across diverse populations.