People keep pets of all shapes and sizes, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, horses, and fish. They are often chosen for their companionship and entertaining qualities. However, pets can benefit mental health in several ways you may not be aware of.
Spending time with pets often calms the mind and boosts your mood. They offer comfort when you’re down and laughter as you watch their antics. Animals even get you out of the house for much-needed exercise and improved socialization. If you’re curious about the mental and neurological health benefits of having an animal around, keep reading.
How do Pets Benefit Mental Health?
We all deal with stress now and then, but for some, it’s more severe and long-term. Chronic stress causes higher levels of cortisol and adrenaline, causing increased heart rate and high blood pressure. Your mental health also suffers, risking anxiety, depression, and problems with focus, memory, and sleep patterns.
1. Animals reduce stress and anxiety
Associating with animals may reduce stress by decreasing the harmful hormones and increasing the beneficial ones. A recent study shows that cortisol levels decrease in humans during positive interactions with dogs. Oxytocin, which promotes bonding, trust, recognition, and relationships, increases in humans and dogs during such connections. The more time you spend with pets, the lower your stress levels drop.
Experts state that about a third of U.S. adolescents and adults experience an anxiety disorder, though for some it’s less severe. However, spending time with pets may reduce such mental health issues.
Though cuddling animals calms your mind, simply watching fish swim is known to reduce anxiety. Recent studies show that observing fish temporarily lowers blood pressure and heart rate while increasing relaxation. Interacting with other animals has similar effects on anxiety symptoms.
2. Help with depression
According to experts, approximately 29% of adults are diagnosed with depression, usually between their late teens or early 20s. Several treatments are available, including medication and therapy, but pets may also improve this mental health disorder. Spending time with and caring for animals boosts self-esteem, social support, and a sense of purpose, easing depression symptoms.
Those with mental health issues are often isolated. They may have lost loved ones, feel they are a burden, or are afraid to seek companionship. Pets can break this cycle, forcing interactions when you least expect it.
Dog owners often chat about their pets during walks, or others stop you to ask about your pet. Visiting a park also increases the odds of conversations with other animal lovers. Your social network expands, providing you with a larger support circle. As isolation decreases, mental health often improves, thanks to your pet.
3. Make you walk more and stay active
Physical activity benefits the body by strengthening the heart, lungs, and muscles and increasing circulation. But it also improves mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress, depression, and cognitive decline. Studies show that dog owners walk more, with 54% meeting physical activity recommendations than non-owners. More activity with your pet often reduces your mental health symptoms.
4. Distract from pain
Chronic pain affects how your mind works. It’s hard to relax, stay focused, or enjoy the things you used to love. The more pain you’re in, the more your brain function suffers, as does your mental health. Animals may help counteract these issues, distracting you from pain, boosting your mood, and creating a sense of purpose. Though your pain may not disappear, your furry friend offers a natural way to manage it.
Resources:
- Mayo Clinic, Chronic stress puts your health at risk
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20046037 - Frontiers, Oct. 12, 2017, Oxytocin and Cortisol Levels in Dog Owners and Their Dogs Are Associated with Behavioural Patterns: An Exploratory Study
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01796/full - NIMH, Anxiety Disorders
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders - PubMed Central, Aug. 27, 2019, Observing Live Fish Improves Perceptions of Mood, Relaxation and Anxiety, But Does Not Consistently Alter Heart Rate or Heart Rate Variability
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6747257/ - American Psychiatric Association, What is Depression?
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression - Johns Hopkins Medicine, The Friend Who Keeps You Young
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-friend-who-keeps-you-young - Harvard Health Publishing, May 6, 2015, Pets can help their humans create friendships, find social support
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981 - Mayo Clinic, Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389 - Habri, Cardiovascular Health
https://habri.org/research/healthy-aging/cardiovascular-health/ - SPH University of Michigan, Q&A: How Pets Can Help Older Adults Manage Chronic Pain
https://sph.umich.edu/news/2019posts/how-pets-can-help-older-adults-manage-chronic-pain.html
This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.
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