It’s not just a fad that you can gladly join in. Having pets can give you innumerable help apart from making you laugh out loud at their unique antics of Mental Health. They have their own way of helping you feel real joy and comfort, especially when you’re going through life’s highs and lows.
Whether you’re a newbie fur parent or have never really looked into how your furry friends have helped you all these years, here are some “pictures” of how they start in your life.
Your Pet, Your Therapist: Emotional Stability in a Furry Package
Why do you feel suddenly elated whenever you’re welcomed home by a wagging tail and soft purr, no matter how stressful your day is?
It’s a simple pet greeting (the best they know how) that can easily kick off tiredness from a weary worker, turning you into a happy and playful mood.
Many studies have shown that petting a dog or cat alone can already lower your cortisol levels and increase oxytocin, promoting happiness and relaxation. In fact, a recent study found that owning a pet, specifically cats or dogs, significantly enhances life satisfaction – comparable to receiving a £70,000 yearly income or getting married.
Emotional Support Animals: Your Companion in Healing
In the past, they were simply called the lovable pets that you can’t live without. Experts today, however, have already named them Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). They can be one of your stress-buster strategies while reliably providing you with the companionship and therapy that you need, especially if you’ve got mental health problems.
These super animals help reduce people’s health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This is why these lovable pets can competently provide you with companionship, comfort, and a sense of security in your everyday activities.
So, if you’re looking at ESA for your wellness goals, obtaining an emotional support animal letter online from CertaPet and other expert-led agencies can be quite crucial. They can offer you a more systematic process so you can work with licensed mental health professionals who can assess and give a thorough understanding of your needs and, at the same time, provide the most needed documentation.
Routine, Purpose, and Physical Health: The Hidden Perks
When you care for your pet, you benefit from the structure it feeds into your daily life, apart from experiencing the joy of being their fur parent with all your bonding times. Many routines, like feeding times, walks, and play sessions, can be quite beneficial for you. All these daily “chores” can help you focus on them instead of your own struggles, especially if you have depression or anxiety challenges.
Many experts posit that the physical activities and efforts you do for your furry companion (like walking your dog) can prompt you to exercise, elevating your overall health and mood in the process.
A survey of about 2,000 dog owners even found that about 39% of respondents had improved emotional health, 27% experienced mental wellness, and 25% said they noticed their improvement physically.
Global Trends: Recognizing the Value of Pets in Mental Health
All over the world, the role of pets in mental health is gaining recognition. Many of today’s more proactive institutions, like the Human Animal Bond Research Institute are now continuously studying how to integrate companion animals into mental health, and it’s a strategy that’s becoming more sought-after by the day.
Taking the Next Step: Incorporating a Pet into Your Mental Health Plan
If you’re considering a pet in your life for mental health support, here are some steps to help you decide.
Assess Your Lifestyle
You may need to make sure you have the time, resources, and environment to care for a pet.
Consult a Professional
Your mental health professional would know about how a pet could fit into your treatment plans, so it’s best to talk about this endeavor with them.
Choose the Right Pet
Your decision counts; you need to select a pet that matches your lifestyle and emotional needs.
Prepare Your Home
You may need to prepare your living spaces at home and make sure it’s safe to receive your furry friend; make them comfortable before they can comfort you.
Deciding to include a pet in your life may be your best and most efficient step towards more improved mental wellness. When you’re walking along the right approach and resources, your cuddly friend can become the best support system in your life for a long time.
