Like the weather, your mental health can go through bright bursts of happiness and dips that leave you feeling low. If you suffer from anxiety, pets can help.
Whether it’s a standard pet, an emotional support, or a psychiatric service animal, animals are proven to have positive impacts on your mental health. Here are some of the benefits that they can bring.
- They Make You Feel Loved
Pets can make you feel loved in a variety of ways, from their wagging tails when they see you to their endless love for you. This can boost your self-esteem and help you deal with depression and anxiety, according to write my paper research. They can also provide companionship – something that is especially important if you live alone. Moreover, your pet won’t criticize you or gossip about you behind your back, which can be good for your mental health.
In addition, pets can give you a sense of purpose and meaning in your life. Many people with mental health conditions, such as ADHD or PTSD, find that taking care of their pets gives them structure and routine that can help them manage other aspects of their lives. Plus, they may also get extra enjoyment from the activity, like a walk with their dog or playtime with a cat.
Talking to your therapist is essential if you’re struggling with a mental health condition. But you should also consider getting a pet if you can. Research has shown that pet owners are less likely to experience depression. In fact, the simple act of stroking a pet can reduce your blood pressure and help you feel calmer. Moreover, it can teach you to focus on the present moment and not worry about the future or dwell on the past.
- They Help You Deal With Loneliness
Loneliness can be a symptom of many mental health conditions. For example, depression can cause you to feel sad and lonely. Fortunately, pets have been shown to ease loneliness. A study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute and Mars Petcare found that 85% of people who had pets said they felt less lonely than those without pets.
One reason why pets can help with loneliness is that they provide companionship. In addition, they also make you feel loved. Stroking, petting, or touching a pet can stimulate the release of serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, which promote feelings of happiness and contentment.
Another way that pets can reduce loneliness is by helping you develop healthy habits. Pets require regular feeding, cleaning, and exercise. In addition, you need to spend time with them in order to maintain a relationship. This can help you build a sense of responsibility and self-worth.
Lastly, pets can also help you deal with stress and anxiety. Studies show that the presence of a pet can lower your physiological stress response, which includes raising cortisol and blood pressure levels. In addition, pets can encourage you to spend more time outside, which is good for your physical and mental health.
It’s important to note that while pets can help you cope with loneliness and some mental health issues, they are not a cure for them. If you have a serious mental health condition, you should work with a therapist to develop a treatment plan.
- They Help You Deal With Depression
If you’re struggling with depression or another mental health issue, a pet can provide extra support. Pets are often used as therapy animals because they have been shown to improve a person’s mood and help them feel connected to others. They can also offer a distraction and something to focus on, which can be useful when you’re feeling down.
Dogs, in particular, can help with depression because they encourage exercise, which can ease feelings of sadness and anxiety. Plus, they help their owners get outside more and get some fresh air. If you cannot have a pet of your own, you can volunteer at an animal shelter to enjoy the same benefits.
Studies have also found that people who own pets are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. This is thought to be because being around a pet releases positive emotions like happiness and contentment. Having a pet also gives you someone to care for and makes you feel responsible, which can boost your confidence.
Pets can help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering your cortisol levels and blood pressure. They also fulfill the basic human need for touch, so stroking them can calm you down and relax your body. Moreover, they help you stay in the present moment by keeping you focused on the task at hand rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past.
- They Help You Manage Your Stress
Pets have a natural way of making their owners feel better. Their unconditional love encourages a sense of meaning and purpose in life. They also stimulate the brain to release dopamine, a mood-boosting chemical. Pets are also great for reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that people who own pets are less likely to experience depression or anxiety than those who do not own animals.
Taking care of a pet requires a regular schedule. They must be fed, bathed, and exercised on a certain schedule to remain healthy and happy. This can help add structure and routine to a person’s life, especially if they suffer from bipolar disorder or depression. It also helps build self-esteem because it reminds one to care for another living creature.
Even children on the autistic spectrum have a positive impact from spending time with their pets, according to several studies. This can also boost their self-esteem and help them make more social connections, which is important for mental health.
It’s essential to note that a pet cannot cure mental illness and does not replace therapy. However, it is a good addition to their mental wellness toolkit for most people.