Doggy tails wagging, cats purring, the chirp of a happy bird in the morning … pets are a wonderful source of love and comfort, and offer significant benefits to our mental health. In fact, an act as simple as petting a dog can have a profound impact, particularly for those struggling with depression or related mental health conditions.
Today, on National Pet Day, let’s dive into the many ways that pets can help combat depression, while ensuring proper expectations and preparations are in place when considering adoption.
The Benefits of Pets on Mental Health
A 2023 study by the American Psychiatric Association showed that 86% of pet owners believed their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. Of this group, dog and cat owners were more likely to agree on this statement compared to owners of other types of animals. The majority, though, all considered their pets to be part of the family.
Benefits of those furry family members mentioned in the study included:
- Reducing stress and anxiety (69%)
- Providing unconditional love and support (69%)
- Offering companionship (69%)
- Providing a calming presence (66%)
- Serving as true friends (63%)
The Benefits of Pet Ownership
Let’s take a more detailed look those benefits to see how pets can positively impact mental health!
Stress Reduction
Pet interactions, particularly with happy dogs, are a great way to lower stress hormones while increasing mood-boosting hormones like dopamine and serotonin. Similarly, feeling a cat’s rhythmic purring against your body promotes relaxation and helps lower blood pressure.
Support & Companionship
If you have a furry family member, then you know you’re rarely alone! Pets are a long-term buddy who love being by our sides, which can be helpful for people who feel isolated. Simply having a companion to offer unconditional love, even a winged or four-legged one, can help us feel less alone.
A Set Schedule
Depression has a way of affecting our internal clocks, and schedules often fall by the wayside. Pets, however, are right there to remind us when it’s time to complete a task, especially if that task involves food! Knowing we are responsible for feeding, walking, and playing with our pets forces a regular routine that can be helpful in establishing a sense of purpose.
A Sense of Purpose
It’s no secret that pets = responsibility. When we have a pet, we are responsible for taking care of them, which in turn provides a sense of purpose. Purpose – a strong reason to get out of bed, to go about our day, to find meaning in our lives – can lift our self-esteem and even help combat symptoms of depression.
Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Being a pet owner means taking an active part in that animal’s health and happiness, especially dogs, which require regular physical activity such as walks and playtime. Dog owners report an increase in exercise thanks to neighborhood walks and games of fetch.
Can Pets Negatively Affect Mental Health?
The good stuff aside, it’s important to remember that pets do come with their own set of challenges, and are not a substitute for professional mental health help. Some challenges may include:
Financial Obligations
There’s no way around it, pets are expensive. Food, pet insurance, vet bills, accidents, boarding … the list goes on. Unexpected financial obligations can cause stress, and may exacerbate depressive symptoms if the strain becomes too much.
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting the right pet is crucial. What size is your home and yard? Are you gone for long stretches of the day or night? Do you have time for regular walks? Every animal has their own level of care required, and you’ll want to ensure you can meet those care needs when selecting the best pet for you.
Loss of a Pet
The sad truth is, at some point we will very likely face the death of a beloved pet. For many this can be a painful and even unbearable experience, but for someone already experiencing depression or other mental health conditions, it can put them in a potentially dangerous mindset.
For all of these potential challenges, it’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place should you experience difficulties in your pet ownership journey: build up a savings account in case of emergencies, create a schedule, have a plan and support system in place when it’s time to say good-bye.
Still, while challenges may occur, many pet owners say the good outweighs the bad – companionship over cost, positive lifestyle changes, and many years of love to combat potential grief.
Could the Opposite Be True? Can Pet Owners Be More Depressed?
Some studies have shown a correlation between having pets and an increase in mood disorder symptoms, particularly in those who are unemployed. However, no direct explanations are provided, suggesting a possibility that persons already experiencing depression might adopt a pet in hopes of alleviating existing symptoms but may not have the necessary support system to ensure proper care.
Beyond Your Pet – How Mindful Health Solutions Can Help
Sometimes, you need a little extra help finding relief from depression, and that’s where we come in. We love our pets and the mental health benefits they provide, but also understand the struggle of navigating depressive symptoms, which is why we work with you to find the best solutions for your specific needs. Treatment plans may include TMS therapy, SRAVATO (esktamine) nasal spray, IV ketamine infusions. To learn more, contact us at (888) 789-6013 or reach out for an appointment here.