7 Ways Mental Health and Pets Go Together
People who love animals are quick to tell you how much joy their furry companions have brought into their lives.
Even the toughest person is sure to melt at the sight of an adorable kitten or feel a sense of accomplishment from watching them grow up. For these reasons, mental health professionals are more aware of the mental health benefits pets can bring.
The 7 Ways Animals Provide Mental Health Benefits
While any animal can provide the following benefits to humans, only registered emotional support animals are notable exceptions for “no pet” policies on planes and for housing.
1. Animals Alleviate PTSD Symptoms
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be brought about by any number of serious life events. This could range from the death of a loved one, abuse or even embarrassment.
People who have PTSD will go to great lengths to avoid their triggers, but pets can help to alleviate their fears. Pets also release feel-good endorphins, make us feel loved, and help us get out of the house.
2. Animals Help With Mild to Severe Anxiety
While feeling anxious is a natural part of life, anxiety sufferers will feel anxious to the point that makes them physically ill.
An emotional support animal can help anxiety sufferers by providing an emotional outlet that won’t judge or harm them. In addition to providing someone to talk to, your pet will offer you affection by cuddling up with you and serving as a distraction.
3. Animals Can Cure Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is the fear of being outside the home. This condition usually starts as an anxiety disorder that eventually spreads to other aspects of life, like avoiding any place with crowds, open spaces, or public transportation.
Support animals can help those with agoraphobia slowly face their fear with a comforting companion who won’t judge them if they experience fear.
4. Animals Can Cure Aerophobia
Aerophobia is the intense fear of flying. Similar to agoraphobia, aerophobia can have devastating effects on one’s career and personal life, but an emotional support animal can help.
Once you register your emotional support animal legally, you can bring your pet on the plane. They’ll be able to support you and keep you company during the length of the flight.
5. Animals Alleviate Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a common but deliberating illness characterized by apathy, emptiness, and hopelessness.
Depression is more than just being sad; it’s a condition that interferes with day-to-day life. However, animals can help lift our spirits by offering companionship when we’re lonely or suffering from low-self esteem. Pets can also provide us with a sense of purpose.
6. Animals Make Us More Social
When we adopt an animal, we quickly build an emotional attachment to them, establishing a social bond. Mental health difficulties can make it hard for us to make friends, but an animal can help you make them everything you leave the house.
That privilege doesn’t just extend to dogs, either! Talking about your pets can help you meet other pet owners with similar interests.
7. Animals Make Us Feel Needed
Adopting and caring for a pet is a huge responsibility that takes up a chunk of our lives. From walking, to playing, to cleaning the litter box and feeding, showing up for your animal is a daily occurrence that you can’t opt-out of.
In return, you receive unconditional love and affection, which is more than worth it. You’ll also get to experience their lifecycle and care for them as they age. Without you, your pet wouldn’t be as well off as they are now, so pat yourself on the back!
