Have you ever experienced the unconditional love of pet animals at the end of a rough day? Their affection is infallibly accompanied by an instant wave of comfort and reassurance.
Animals possess a unique ability to benefit our emotional and mental state drastically. Even something as simple as a dog resting its head on your lap or a cat purring beside you can quickly alter your mood. Check out my article on How Animals Help Us to Combat Mental Illness!
Early Development
Promoting strong mental health begins at an early age. Animal companions have been shown to aid in learning many skills vital to a child’s cognitive development such as socialization and emotional regulation.
Socialization can be a frightening task for many children. Animals as companions may serve as a comforting mediator in the learning process. A study was conducted in 2013 concerning the effects of canine interaction on child social development.
Two groups of children were monitored over 12 weeks. Those assigned to the first group would routinely read to a therapy dog, while those in the second group read to puppets. By the end of the trial, the first group of children demonstrated a greater willingness to share, cooperate, and socially engage with their peers.
The affectionate nature of a therapy animal grants children the confidence needed to practice communication skills in a judgment-free environment and become increasingly comfortable doing so in more public domains.
Interaction with animals also teaches children to be more receptive to the body language cues of others as well as themselves. A child quickly learns that a dog may wag its tail when excited or tremble when frightened. Repeated exposure to these various behaviors allows the child to recognize feelings expressed by the animal and, in turn, relate them to themself. Over time, this results in an advancement in the ability to understand and process one’s own emotions (a skill many adults still struggle with).
Anxiety and Depression
From their calming demeanors to their joyful spirits, studies show that interacting with animals helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression faster and more effectively than many traditional treatment methods. This occurs due to a rapid decrease in cortisol, the primary stress hormone, as well as an increase in the four ‘feel-good’ hormones; oxytocin, serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine.
Caring for an animal is a powerful incentive to better care for ourselves. Pet owners are forced to implement physical activity, socialization, and other healthy habits into their daily lives. Developing this kind of steady routine provides a sense of structure and purpose critical for good mental wellness.
Focusing on the needs of the animal also draws attention away from any negative thoughts or feelings diminishing our mental health. Having this positive distraction encourages mindfulness, resulting in the ability to better manage pain and stress.
Those struggling with mental illness often find it difficult to confide in others; whether it be with a professional or even close friends and family. Having a non-critical friend to confide in is an essential component of mental health, regardless of the species.
Specie-Specific Benefits
Animal companions are not a ‘one size fits all’ situation. Each species possesses unique characteristics that could potentially improve mental wellness. For instance, dogs are notorious for their unwavering loyalty and could be a great match for someone suffering from abandonment issues. Depending on the breed, they could also increase daily physical activity, resulting in healthier moods and energy levels.
Contrastingly, fish may be better at promoting focus and relaxation in those with anxiety. Horse therapy has become increasingly common due to their highly intuitive nature and disposition to mirror the emotions presented to them. Overall, the most beneficial animal for you depends on your specific mental health needs, as well as their husbandry requirements.
Conclusion
Even as little as 30 minutes of animal interaction per day has been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. There are a plethora of ways to experience the mental health benefits of an animal.
Engaging with pets, volunteering at a local animal shelter, or obtaining a therapy animal (if clinically necessary) can do wonders for our psychological well-being. They are more than just an animal. They are your guide to a better, healthier you.
