In honor of National Hug Your Hound Day, which occurs annually on the second Sunday in September, we want to take a moment to talk about some of the mental health benefits associated with pet ownership.
Pet Ownership Can Help Alleviate Anxiety, Stress and Depression
Pet ownership and the impact it can have on a person’s mental health has been a popular topic of study for scientists. This article focuses specifically on studies of pet ownership and more specifically on how pets can help alleviate anxiety, stress and depression.
How Do Pets Help Anxiety?
Recent studies of persons suffering from an anxiety disorder show a strong correlation between loneliness and anxiety, and that loneliness can be a significant contributing factor towards their anxiety. Simply having a pet around, especially a pet such as a dog or cat, that the person can interact with frequently can help reduce feelings of loneliness. A pet can give them someone to talk to, and someone they can create a close bond with, that will love them unconditionally.
A pet can also serve as a distraction, helping them to focus on something other than themselves and their anxiety. Pets require certain needs, such as food, shelter, exercise, grooming and human interaction. They also generally stick to a daily routine, such as regular sleeping and eating times. And a regular daily routine can be comforting to anxiety sufferers.
How Can a Pet Help Alleviate Stress?
In a recent study, focusing on stress and the impact a pet can have on stress levels, found that the simple act of playing with a dog or cat could significantly elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine in test patients. These elevated levels translated into feelings of being calmer and more relaxed.
Another study on the subject focused on a group of stockbrokers in high stress jobs, who were candidates for medication to lower their blood pressure. Every stockbroker in the study was subjected to stress testing, measuring their baseline blood pressure levels, then they were all prescribed the same medication. But only half of the study participants agreed to get a dog or a cat as a pet. Six months later, the stockbrokers underwent the same stress tests again and the results were significant. The stockbrokers who adopted a pet showed a rise in blood pressure during the stress tests that was only half as large as the rise in blood pressure of those only being treated with medication.
How Pets Can Help with Depression
Just as feelings of loneliness have a strong correlation to anxiety, so do feelings of depression. Pets can offer a soothing presence just by being there. They also offer unconditional love and acceptance. A pet can be an amazing friend who you can tell all of your problems to and they will never utter an opinion or critique your decisions. They just offer a friendly ear and will hang on every word you say. They are always there to comfort you when you need them, ready to snuggle up beside you or to lift your spirits when your down with their silly antics.
Pets, especially dogs, can make you feel needed. Their world revolves around you. They rely on you for all of their basic needs – food, water, walks, etc. Feeling needed can go a long way towards fighting the affects of depression. Plus, pets need to stick to a daily routine. And sticking to the dog’s schedule can help you stick to your schedule as well, giving you a little extra incentive and motivation to keep going.
Dogs can help you combat depression by giving you an excuse to go outside. Some fresh air and exercise, even if it’s just a walk around the block, can help boost your mood. They also make it easier to meet other people, as they are great at introducing themselves to virtual strangers. Plus talking about your dog is an easy, non-threatening way to start a conversation. It’s a great way to bond with another person, potentially leading to a wonderful friendship.
Licensed, Professional Counseling for Anxiety, Stress, and/or Depression for Residents of Georgia and Texas
Pet ownership is a great responsibility and a great way to give a boost to your mental health. But it is not a complete solution for those suffering from anxiety, stress, and/or depression. It is just one tool of many that can be used to help reduce the negative feelings associated with these mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one is suffering from anxiety, stress, and/or depression, it is important that you seek help from a professional. Understanding your condition, addressing the triggers, and learning techniques to minimize negative feelings are all part of the counseling process that Dr. Alyx MacTernan of Elemental Mental Health uses to treat clients suffering from mental health disorders. She offers online counseling to Georgia and Texas residents to make getting help as easy and convenient as possible. Reach out via the contact form on the website to learn more.