Pets and Mental Health: 10 Advantages in Close Proximity
In the realm of mental health, finding comfort and companionship can significantly impact one's well-being. According to Dr. Melissa Geraghty, a psychologist in the Greater Chicago area, the best pet for mental health is the one that a person feels connected to, regardless of species.
Dr. Larena Davis, counselor and clinical director for The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper, delves into the historical therapeutic benefits of animals. Ancient Greeks found horses lifting the spirits of the very ill, while medieval Belgium rehabilitated humans and animals together. Over time, the benefits of pets like dogs and horses have been documented in various studies, showing they can help reduce feelings of depression.
One of the reasons for this is that pets, such as dogs and cats, can increase dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels in humans. Oxytocin, often called the 'love' hormone, fosters the development of bonds with others, including babies, and researchers have found that when dogs and people look at or interact with each other, they both get a surge in oxytocin.
Pets can also make people feel less lonely, providing infinite amounts of love that combat feelings of stress, loneliness, sadness, and other negative emotions. A 2016 study found that pet owners were more satisfied with their lives than those who didn't have pets.
Pets can help people worry less, which has a beneficial effect on stress and anxiety levels. Interacting with animals can decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. For example, petting dogs can help lower people's heart rates and blood pressure, and pet owners have been found to have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels and heart attack patients live longer if they have a furry friend at home.
Certain pets, like dogs, need time outdoors, so having a dog can encourage people to leave the house and get fresh air, which can be especially beneficial for people living with some mental health conditions. For some people, a lower-maintenance pet like a cat might be better if they have physical limitations that slow or prevent their ability to give dogs the care and exercise they need.
Research has primarily focused on the mental health benefits of horses and dogs, but pets of all kinds can provide a boost to your mental health. According to Dr. Geraghty, bonding with any pet, including a 'regular' pet, can provide the biggest boost to your mental health.
Moreover, service dogs can help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD in veterans, lowering their depression, improving resilience, reducing loneliness, and improving overall psychological well-being. Service dogs can perform specific tasks to manage psychiatric or medical conditions, such as alerting people to seizures.
Even during periods of isolation, such as those caused by the pandemic, pets seemed to boost mental health and well-being. A 2021 study from Malaysia found that pets provided comfort and companionship, helping people cope with feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
In summary, pets can play a vital role in mental health, providing companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and stress, and even improving physical health. Whether you prefer a high-energy dog or a low-maintenance cat, bonding with a pet can make a significant difference in your mental well-being.
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