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How Pets Affect Our Mental Health
Living with a pet has many benefits, such as love, companionship and affection. It's no secret that the bond between humans and pets can be powerful with many considering them as family members.
Learn how pets pawsitively affect our mental health.
Mental Health Benefits of Pets
Anyone with a pet can tell you what a huge impact a furry friend can have on a person's psychological health. You can almost instantly lift your spirits just by looking at their cute little face or wagging tail.
Seemingly confirming what we have long suspected, researchers from Liverpool, Manchester and Southampton have found that pets help people with mental illness. In a study published in BMC Psychiatry, a team of scientists analyzed 17 studies to determine the mental health benefits of pets.
And while the researchers acknowledge that there are some potentially negative consequences of cohabitation with a pet, such as the psychological attachment and fear of losing a four-legged friend, they also concluded that having a pet is right for mental well-being in general.
How pets support our mental health:
- Lower stress hormones. A five-minute interaction or playing with pets can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin resulting in a more relaxed nervous system
- Make us feel needed. Taking care of your pet will give you a sense of meaning and purpose.
- Increase your sense of self-esteem and well-being. As you get older, you may encounter feeling like you've lost purpose and meaning in your life. Caring for a pet can improve your sense of self-worth.
- Support recovery from mental illness. They can help people control their emotions and distract them from their mental health problems.
- Feel socially connected. Pets never let you feel lonely and can help alleviate social anxiety.
- Help us live in the moment. They never worry about what happened to them yesterday and what may happen to them in the future. As a result, pets are a great reminder of appreciating and enjoying the present moment.
Research Supports That Pets Can Benefit Senior Loved Ones
Having a pet can also be beneficial for a senior loved one. In one study, scientists observed a group of socially isolated elderly women living in their own homes. Resting blood pressure was assessed at the beginning of the experiment and six months later. Compared to the control group without animals, the owners with animals had much lower blood pressure.
Another study looked at the home environment of older adults with and without dogs. The authors of this study are social workers who suggest that in the context of growing up and aging, communication with an animal can be additional support.
Additionally, it's also been proven that pets can help with dementia and other memory disorders.
In addition to mental health benefits, pets can also:
- Strengthen the cardiovascular system
- Stabilize blood pressure
- Increase physical activity
- Sense human diseases
Pets and the experiences they can bring into your life are truly one of a kind. No matter what, they love you unconditionally and the benefits they provide for your mental health—and your heart—are priceless. While your pet provides benefits for your health, keep in mind that it's also essential to know all about their health and talk to a veterinarian to get professional advice.