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Having a pet can significantly improve your mental health. Studies have shown that pets can help people with depression, ADHD and autism.
How pets can benefit people with mental health issues
The enduring relationship between humans and domestic animals is well documented. There are an estimated 10 million cats (23 per cent of households with one or more cat) and 11.5 million dogs (30 per cent of households with one or more dog) kept as pets in the UK.
In many ways, pets can help us to live mentally healthier lives. A pet can also be a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners.
The human-companion animal bond is of great public interest as well as a growing area of study for the scientific community.
A recent academic study found that pet-owners had higher levels of self-esteem and conscientiousness than non-pet-owners, tended to be less lonely and less fearful, and were more extrovert and less preoccupied.
Furthermore, there was no evidence that people’s relationships with their pets came at the expense of those they had with other people: pet owners were found to be just as close to key human figures in their lives as non-owners.
Mental health: the mood-boosting power of dogs
If you’ve ever owned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they bring into your lives. Dogs, in particular, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health.
Caring for a dog can help children grow up more secure and active or provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a dog can add real joy and unconditional love to your life. The mood boosting power of dogs is well documented.
“Pets are a great way to beat the blues. Not only are they known to offer unconditional love, but they may also give their owners a sense of purpose, which can be crucial for those feeling down in the dumps. Pets also combat feelings of loneliness by providing companionship, which can boost your overall mood and even bring you feelings of joy and happiness.”
Puppy therapy: forget antidepressants and talking therapies – get a puppy!
I have always had a great love for animals and sometimes I think I actually prefer animals to people! This might have something to do with my mental health: for years I have struggled with clinical depression, panic disorder and agoraphobia. I have been on medication for most of my life, consulted various psychiatrists, sat through hours of various talking based therapies but to be honest, none of it has really helped.
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If you struggle to look after your mental health how can you look after a pet?!
Over the years I have read various articles about how pets can help people with mental health issues but as I struggle to look after myself some days and responsibility is not one of my strong points, I decided that I was not cut out to be a pet owner.
But, one dark Winter’s morning I found myself browsing puppies on Pets4Homes (something that in hindsight I would not recommend as I believe it’s better to adopt a rescue dog). I had considered getting a pug and a chihuahua but my mum suggested a yorkie as they are a bit like me i.e ‘scruffy (chic of course!) and spirited’!
Owning a dog has a positive impact on your mental health!
And so a few days before Christmas Eve I bought Coco, home. The first night I put her cage in my bedroom and she cried virtually all night. I picked her up and cuddled her. She licked my face and wagged her tail. My heart melted.
The next few days Coco really tested my patience. She was in a strange, new environment and probably suffering from separation anxiety bless her. The little monkey chewed up the carpet, the furniture, jumped all over the place, ran along the back of the sofa and leaped onto my head. She also scratched and chewed my hands (which now resemble Elephant Man!) Worse still, my little bundle of fur refused to wee or poop in the garden (and still does!). I spent most of my time on my hands and knees with a can of Vanish Gold cleaning up her mess, at times with tears streaming down my face and questioning whether I could cope. I even briefly contemplated returning her to her first human family. But, a few months on and I honestly couldn’t imagine life without her.
Exercise and a puppy: benefits for you and your furry friend
My little pampered pooch recently turned 4 months and we have been going out for our daily walks. At first, she refused to budge when I put her on her lead but after a bit of gentle persuasions and some puppy treats, she absolutely loves it.
And so do I! Exercise is good for your mental health as well as your physical health. Research funded by the National Institutes of Health revealed that more than 2,000 adults who owned and walked their dogs regularly were in better shape, and were less likely to be become obese, than those who did not walk a dog.
How Coco has helped my mental health
Coco gives me a reason to get up in the morning. Even on dark days I can’t stay in bed as Coco needs feeding and exercising. She has really lifted my spirits and taking her for daily walks is having a positive impact on my mental health. I have more energy, feel much more positive and sleep better at night.
I finally feel there is real hope, since Coco came into my life. And I can definitely see light at the the end of the tunnel! If like me you suffer from a mental health issue, I would definitely consider getting a pet. Obviously, it is not a decision to be taken lightly but having a pet has really helped my mental health. and is rewarding in so many other ways.
Do you suffer from mental health issues and have a pet? Let me know how your pet has helped you in the comments box below.
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About Annie
Annie is a Virtual PA and Copywriter so if you need any help with copywriting, content writing, blogging, digital marketing, social media or Virtual PA support you can contact me here
To meet pet owners near you download Shout. With Shout you can meet new people, discover cool places and find interesting things to do with and without your pet! You can also follow Shout on Twitter
