Pets and mental health

Having a pet has great positive effects on your well-being, and this month we’re going to take a look at pets and mental health.

Mental health, pets and companionship

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a pet is that it keeps you company. Physical touch is necessary for mental health. Hugging your pets and family makes your blood pressure drop, and your brain releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals). Even pets that can’t be hugged, like fish, provide something to interact with and talk to, which is good for keeping your brain active.

Mental health, pets and exercise

You need to walk a dog, ideally every day. Other pets might not require walks but they do enjoy playtime. Having a reason to exercise is good for you, too. Walking is good for your heart, lungs, and muscles, and even exercises like throwing toys can help your coordination. Spending time outdoors in the sun boosts vitamin D levels, which may help to boost your immune system. In any case, vitamin D is important for healthy bones, teeth and muscles, so keeping up your levels is a good thing.

Pets and routine

If you’re not going out to work now, it’s easy to drift and procrastinate. If you have to feed and clean your pet, it’s easier to keep to a routine. Routines are good for your mental health and well-being. They reduce anxiety and the risks of burnout, and they promote healthy habits.

Pets need routine, and anyone with a dog or cat knows they’ll remind you when food and attention are due! When you’re giving your pet healthy food, exercise, grooming, and a clean space to live in, you’ll remember that you need those things too.

Pets and having a sense of purpose

Life is tough for everyone right now because I’m writing at a time when lockdowns and social distancing are in place. But the benefits of pet ownership apply at other times as well. Especially if you already have mental health issues, it’s easy to feel depressed or purposeless. Having something that depends on and loves you is a strong booster of self-esteem and mood, and can save lives.

People with severe anxiety, depression and PTSD report that having a pet can break them out of suicidal urges because the pet needs them. People who worry about others judging them, due to anxiety or depression, can benefit from an undeniably loving and non-judgmental pet.

Even if your negative feelings aren’t so severe, a pet’s love can cheer you up. So can their funny, playful behaviours; look up videos of funny animal tricks on YouTube and see!

Should you rush out to get a pet?

No, despite all their benefits, pets aren’t for everyone, and not every pet is suitable for every owner. If you get one that’s unsuited to you, it will add to your stress and make you unhappy. And it may harm the pet too.

Find out what kind of care the animal you’re interested in needs, and how it could fit into your lifestyle. This is especially important if you’re currently working from home, but don’t usually. Or if you normally have a busy social life. Think about how you’ll look after it once you are back at work and/or going out with friends again. Once you’re going on holiday again, what will happen to your pet while you’re away?

Ask people who already have that kind of pet. Find friendly Facebook groups and forums for advice. Check that your accommodation allows pets, especially if your home is rented. Talk to your local vets so you are ready to register with a good one. Once you’ve picked a pet type look for a reputable breeder or rescue so you can get the right pet. They’ll advise you about what equipment you need, and you can hopefully live a long and happy life together.

References:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2020/12/04/new-research-shows-furry-friends-are-emotional-lifesavers-during-the-pandemic/?sh=3f451fc24eb6
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-52371688
https://nyctherapy.com/therapists-nyc-blog/the-mental-health-benefits-of-having-a-daily-routine/
https://habri.org/research/mental-health/conditions/