Photo Credit: Real Dogs Real People
How Having a Pet Can Help with Mental Health
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By Brandon Butler For years, people have learned about the healing power of pets, and these days, more and more individuals who are living with mental health issues are finding that dogs can help tremendously when it comes to anxiety, depression, and stress. Animals, in general, are miracle workers when it comes to healing; dogs and horses are often used in different therapies to help people work through addiction recovery, PTSD, and many disorders that make daily life more difficult. In fact, simply petting a dog can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, making them the perfect pet for someone who is coping with a mental health issue. Having a pet can help make you more social, boost your self-esteem, and allow you to focus on your happiness while relieving stress and anxiety. Keep reading for more on why having a pet can help with the condition of your mental health. Get Active One of the many great things about dogs is that they are wonderful motivators when it’s time to exercise, and exercise of just about any kind is necessary for both your physical and mental health. Working out for at least 30 minutes every day can help you stay fit and boost your mood and self-confidence. Staying active releases oxygen to your blood cells and kicks in feel-good endorphins in your brain, helping to combat the symptoms of depression and anxiety, so start going for walks with your dog after dinner or take him to the park in the morning before work. Find a Companion Dogs are perfect companions. They’re loving, comforting, and don’t ask for much outside of food, water, and snuggles. They can combat loneliness and help you get through difficult days; they are loyal friends who don’t care about anything but making you happy, and who couldn’t use that? If you live in an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs or aren’t sure about taking on the responsibility just yet, consider becoming a dog walker. This will help you earn extra money while spending time with a sweet animal and can help you decide whether a dog is right for you. For more info on finding a job as a dog walker, click here. Stay Social One of the worst things about depression and many other mental health disorders is the feeling of isolation that can come with them. Pets can help us stay social, dogs in particular. Most dogs love people and are eager to get outside and make new friends, so head to the dog park and mingle. Or, you can look for dog-friendly spaces in your community-- such as coffee shops, bars, and restaurants that have patios -- where you and your pet can sit and have fun with other dog-lovers. Have a Sense of Purpose Being responsible for a pet can help structure your day and give you a sense of purpose, which can help immensely when you’re feeling low. Knowing that your little dog is depending on you for all his needs to be met can help boost your sense of self-worth and keep you looking forward even when you’re battling depression or other mood disorders. Whether you decide to get a pet or trained service animal, keep in mind that taking on an animal is a big responsibility. It’s important to remember that your home will need to be dog-proofed to keep him safe and that regular visits to the vet will be in order to keep him healthy. Taking good care of your dog will allow him to, in turn, take good care of you. |
Photo via Pixabay by HeungSoon
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