Depression is a disease that affects the mind, body and spirit. Most people with depression can be cured or, at least, have their symptoms alleviated by talking with a therapist and taking antidepressant medications. Although these methods are clinically-proven and have helped many people, some people with depression are getting some added joy and help by bringing a pet into their lives. Studies have shown that pets can help people combat depression in a myriad of ways. It really doesn’t matter what type of pet it is, as long as it’s an animal that people can engage with and help them re-engage with life.
Pets Help You Get Exercise
It is a well-known fact that proper exercise can help people combat depression. Exercise releases endorphins that make us feel great. A recent study by Social Indicators Research found that people who own pets are a lot more physically active than those without pets. And, of course, they should be! Some pets require you to bathe them, take them for walks every day and play fun games like fetch. Taking some breeds of dog for a walk can be a real workout. They also require you to get out to the store to purchase food or any other type of pet care products.
A Great Cure for Loneliness
Studies have shown that elderly people who live alone do much better and are more receptive to nourishment if they have a pet. This type of therapy has led many charities to bring animals to convalescent homes, hospitals and prisons to help cheer up their inhabitants. Pets also give people a reason to live. Depression and loneliness often go hand in hand and pet owners often feel like their pets are part of their family. They share their lives with their pets and that can help relieve feelings of isolation often associated with depression. Coming home from a hard day and seeing a happy pet greet you at the door can be a big pick me up to someone with depression.
Love
Pets can offer cuddly physical contact and have unconditional love for their owners. A healing purr or a lick on the face can mean everything to a pet owner. For many people with depression, the ability to make their pets happy can make them a lot happier as well. Pets also give the owners a chance to express their feelings. They provide something to love and care for in ways which they, in their current mental health, may not be able to share with people. Pets also give their owners something else to focus on and care about instead of being in stuck in what can feel like a never-ending cycle of rumination and negative thoughts.
Overall, pets are great for people with depression because they help them to re-engage in life. The day in, day out care and concern for the animal helps people who may feel isolated get back into life again. Of course, no one should opt to get a pet instead of proper medical treatment, but a pet can bring an extra dimension into someone’s life that can help facilitate recovery from the debilitating symptoms of depression.
