By: Arron

Recent studies have shown that pets can have a powerful impact on not only our physical health but also our mental health. People with pets are more likely to feel less lonely, less depressed, and have higher self-esteem. For these reasons, pet therapy has become a popular method for treating depression and anxiety. Here are some ways that caring for a pet can help your mental health.

Interacting With Pets Lowers Stress Hormones

Humans have a basic need for physical contact, and pets can fulfill that need. Interacting with pets can reduce a person’s blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as relaxing muscle tension. Spending time with pets can lower cortisol levels and raise our levels of serotonin and dopamine which are hormones that help calm and reduce stress.

 

Pets Help Us Build Healthy Habits

Because pets rely on us to take care of them, they help us to build healthy habits and routines, which helps to alleviate anxiety and depression.

  • Consistent morning routine – Pets like dogs and cats need to be fed on a regular schedule. This gives people a reason to get up and start their day no matter what mood they might be in.

 

  • Physical activity – Many pets require regular exercise or daily walks. Consequently, owners can reap the benefits of exercise along with their pets. For example, The New York Times reported that dog owners get more exercise than people without dogs.

 

  • Time spent outdoors – Because our pets need to spend time outdoors, we also benefit from getting outside with them. Time spent outdoors can improve our mood and reduce feelings of stress and anger, helping us to feel more relaxed.

Pets Can Support Recovery from Mental Illness

A recent study has shown that pets provide benefits to people already diagnosed with mental illness. They found that pets helped the participants to manage their emotions as well as distract them from symptoms related to their mental illness including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Conclusion

The evidence is clear that pets can play an important role in managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. However, there can be many barriers for people (especially college students) that prevent them from having their own pet. The good news is you don’t have to have your own pet to take advantage of these benefits. Volunteering at a local animal shelter such as Austin Pets Alive, or spending time with a friend’s pet can be a great way to experience similar benefits.

What do you think? Has owning a pet helped your mental health? We’d love to hear about it!

Edited by: Romina