Stress Management and other Mental Health Benefits of Animals / Pets
Have you ever wondered why so many people share funny cat videos, smile at bleating goats jumping onto children’s back, or why there are so many dogs that have a huge Instagram following? It’s because animals make us feel good! We love to see them looking adorable, interacting with others, and talking with others about them. If you have access to pets, have you ever noticed how they get excited to meet you or greet you when you get home, enjoy spending time or playing with you, or even comfort you when you are feeling down? All of these actions, including giving us the feeling of having a companion, contribute to the positive effect that animals have on people. You may be wondering about what research has found related to mental health benefits and animal companionship…read on.
“Can I experience mental health benefits from animals?”
Yes! Many people experience mental health and wellness benefits from owning or even just spending time around animals. Research has shown that several mental illness symptoms improve in part to spending time with animals or pets. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and mental health issues that are related to a physical health problem or a developmental disorder were shown to have a decrease in symptoms in connection with animal/pet interactions and connection. Self-esteem issues, as well as social isolation, also seem to show a decrease when people spend quality time with animals. So basically, most people can benefit from time spent with animals. (If you have allergies, never fear! There are animals that could be a better fit for you- mental wellness benefits span farther than just the typical dogs or cats that usually come to mind when thinking about pet options). So, now that we’ve established which mental health issues (especially stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem) or symptoms can be improved or decreased by interacting with pets, you may be wondering, how can pets or animals improve my mental health?
Mental health benefits of animals / Pets and wellbeing
· Improved stress management abilities
· Increase in effective symptom management capabilities
· Provides distraction from problems/issues at hand
· Improved social interactions and feelings of companionship
· Increased levels of motivation
· Can help to slow down “racing” mind or thoughts
· Can increase the amount of exercise the owner accomplishes
· Decrease in social withdrawal
· Can provide a sense of security
· Can help children to plan and learn responsibilities
· Can increase self-confidence
· Lends to increased feelings of being able to cope with everyday life
· Aids in regulating breathing
· Can help to slow heart rate/decrease blood pressure
· Has been shown to reduce the amount of stress-related hormones in the body
· Assists owner in being more mindful and less distracted
· Can remind us to enact our own self-care
· May increase the amount of time that we spend in nature
Do pets reduce stress? How do animals improve mental health?
How does caring for or interacting with animals provide improved stress management abilities and these other above listed mental health benefits? Pets are reported to help people better manage their emotions, as well as provide a distraction from their symptoms. If you have ever gotten bogged down for some time with dealing with an illness, you probably found it quite helpful to get your mind off of being sick with a distraction. What better form of distraction than spending time or playing with a pet! Often times, dogs offer their owners unconditional love (not to mention several breeds that love to give their owners cozy snuggle time). In trying to manage the stress and sometimes overwhelming feelings that come with various illnesses, pets can be a real lifesaver. Several people that I have talked to, as well as read about in research articles, noted that when they had times of experiencing suicidal ideation, one factor that kept them from acting on those feelings was concern about who would take care of their pet if they were no longer alive. That sounds like quite a powerful (and worthwhile) bond to me.
Knowing that you have to care for your animal by taking them outside for exercise or for potty breaks will in turn take YOU outside into nature, likely interacting with other people walking their pets, and providing you with increased physical activity. The positive reactions that your animal gives to you- spending time with you, being unconditionally happy to see you, and relying on you for their care and safety in turn increases our self-esteem levels, our feelings of self-worth, as well as lowers the amount of stress that we carry, holds us accountable, and encourages us to remain in-the-moment with them -resulting in being less distracted and anxious.
Selecting an animal or pet that is right for you
If you find yourself carrying lots of stress or feelings of sadness, anxiety, or social isolation, getting a pet, in addition to seeing a qualified mental health professional, may be right for you to help you cope with these feelings/symptoms. There are several things to consider when deciding if you should get an animal to help you with your mental health needs. Let’s explore a few of these considerations:
1.) Time: If you work a lot and don’t have someone who can come over and play with your pet, feed them, and take them outside to socialize and potty, then you may want to reconsider getting a pet. Remember that pets have emotions just like humans do. If you leave them alone for too long or neglect to provide them with enough interactive play and contact with others, their mental wellness will begin to suffer.
2.) Breed selection: Different types and breeds of animals require different conditions to ensure that they can live happy and healthy lives. Some topics to consider when choosing a pet that is right for you include climate requirements: if the animal needs a lot of space to run vs. pets that are better-suited for apartment living, what function you want the animal to perform (ex. some dogs are meant to herd others, some like to snuggle on the couch with you), if the animal is suited to be around children or the elderly, and any physical limitations that you may have that could prevent you from being able to effectively take care of your pet.
3.) Health issues: Certain breeds of animals are more prone to particular health issues. It is important to look into any health issues that animals within a particular breed may have and compare that with what you can financially support prior to making a selection. Don’t forget to consider your health issues, as well. As mentioned earlier, if you have allergies or other restrictions, take those into consideration before making a final selection.
4.) Cost: Create a budget containing your current expenses and be sure that you are able to provide healthcare, food, and proper shelter for the animal.
Rising levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns continues to negatively effect people in the United States. Research over the past few decades continues to show that owning a pet or interacting with animals can provide numerous health benefits, both mentally and physically. While owning or interacting with a pet may not be enough to fully and effectively manage all mental health concerns, caring for a pet can provide for some people the extra boost when added to existing mental health treatments (relaxation exercises, talking to a therapist, maintaining a healthy social support system, etc.). It is important to consider a variety of factors before getting a pet to improve your overall mental health and wellness, but once you find a good fit for you, the positive impact will likely begin within the first few minutes.
Because of the multitude of mental health benefits that animals can bring to people, we are proud to announce that Vandekamp is the new Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for Central Mississippi Therapy Solutions. Given that studies show that just being in the same room with a dog or other animal can help to decrease levels of depression, anxiety, social isolation, and loneliness while promoting feelings of having a purpose or meaning in life, we now offer to clients who so choose, to have Vandekamp in session with you and your therapist. For those who would prefer not to have her in session, no problem. She will only be present for sessions upon request and is otherwise not in the office.
Vandekamp joined our team in January 2019 as the Emotional Support Animal (ESA) for Central Mississippi Therapy Solutions. She is available to join client sessions, by request only.
If you have a topic or a question that you would like for Bahar Dunn, our Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Central Mississippi Therapy Solutions, LLC in Ridgeland, MS to answer, please email centralmstherapysolutions@gmail.com. Please do not include any identifying information (unless you are comfortable in doing so), as email communication is not always a confidential medium of communication.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog post is for general information purposes only. Nothing in this post or on this website should be taken as therapeutic guidance or advice for any situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, a therapist-client relationship.
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