Now more than ever, people in the modern world are dealing with record-breaking levels of anxiety. This stress has devastating impacts on our minds and bodies. You may be surprised to learn about one promising source of relief and the impact of animals on our mental health.
If you are a pet-lover, you know the irreplaceable joy of coming home to your loyal companion. Yet, pets offer us more than just fun and company. The National Institutes of Health has conducted research on this phenomenon to the study the ways pets improve our lives- socially, emotionally, and even physically.
So today, we’re going to talk about the science behind the impact of animals and mental health. Specifically, the ways having a pet can support your overall health. I’m mostly going to be referring to dogs, but there are many kinds of animals that can support humans in different ways.
Animals And Mental Health
As a therapist, I am always looking for ways to build in emotionally healthy habits and lifestyles into my clients’ worlds. To that end, pets and mental health research offers a clear finding on positivity of animals. A 2023 poll conducted by the American Psychiatric Association found an overwhelmingly positive response in regards to furry friends and mental health.
In this survey, 86% of pet owners reported that their pets have a positive effect on their mental health. It was noted that there is a special and unique quality of the bond between human and pet. Pets offer nonjudgemental companionship in a way that other humans can’t.
How Animals Can Help Us Heal
Here are some of the countless ways animals improve our lives and mental health.
Companionship
Pets are part of the family. By reducing feelings of loneliness and offering unconditional loyalty, animals can improve your mood and make you feel less isolated.
Because of the natural love and support they provide, emotional support animals and mental health often offer therapy services for nursing homes, colleges, and more.
Routine
Having pets creates a structured routine that we must follow each day- from feeding to walks to sleep. Following this routine with a pet can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in their humans.
Encouraged Movement
Most animals need regular movement in order to stay healthy. That includes us as humans. However, having a dog that reminds you they need to go outside can help us stay accountable to moving our own bodies. This movement reduces our own levels of stress by helping us move through the stress response cycle.
Plus, being outside offers its own set of health benefits. Fresh air, sunlight, and being out in the neighborhood community are healthy for humans and dogs alike.
Present Moment
Dogs are not ruminating over the past or future. They are present oriented. This presence allows them to stay focused on their human and offer comfort and support when needed.
It also gives the human a taste of staying grounded in the present moment as well. Humans have to unlearn blocks to present mindfulness, but animals practice this skill all the time.
Physical Health
Interaction with animals has been found to decrease levels of stress hormones like cortisol and to increase “feel good” hormones like oxytocin. As a result, petting and cuddling with animals can regulate the human nervous system.
These impacts can result in lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as decreased risk for heart disease, on humans.
Safety
Living with an animal in home can offer one a sense of physical safety. Animals can stay alert and offer protection to their humans.
Social Development
Studies have been conducted that evaluate the impact of dogs on children and learning. One study showed that dogs helped children with ADHD focus their attention and display increased social skills like sharing and cooperation.
Plus, a study of children with autism showed that when playing with animals while learning, levels of anxiety dropped. Lower anxiety means more engagement in the learning process.
Should You Get A Support Animal?
While animals can add so much to our lives, it’s important to remember that having a pet will not solve our mental and emotional health. We should not think of a pet as a substitute for mental health therapy.
In addition, pets are living beings with their own needs for care. We should not think of just using them and having them around for our own benefit. Their needs can be a lot to keep up with, and we should always take care to make sure we are taking these responsibilities seriously before getting a pet.
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