Can a Pet Help with Depression and Create Bliss?
Can a pet help with depression? Although emotional support animals are well known for supporting mental health, having a house pet also helps with mental illnesses like depression.
How a Pet Can Help with Depression
A Pet's Love Eases Mental Illness
A pet can help with depression because pets love us unconditionally, which is extra important when we're experiencing periods of anxiety and self-doubt or self-loathing caused by our mental illnesses. Having a pet react to your presence can help bring a smile to your face, no matter how hard your day has been. Even goldfish react to the people who feed them.
Your Pet's Needs Help With Depression
When a pet needs to eat, it's hard to stay in bed depressed at the expense of your animal. The drive to care for something else can make a huge difference in your mental health.
Meet my dog, Dante, (and learn more about how my pet helps my depression and mental health) by watching the video below.
APA Reference
Meredith, M.
(2018, September 26). Can a Pet Help with Depression and Create Bliss?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved
on 2024, November 5 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/livingablissfullife/2018/9/can-a-pet-help-with-depression-and-create-bliss
Author: Morgan Meredith
Dante is adorable! Pets are great for improving mental health symptoms but one should also consider if they are ready for the responsibility of a pet. Financial considerations and the willingness/ability to deal with problem behaviors should be examined. I got both my pups from a wonderful rescue where the dogs lived with foster families. I was able to discuss all potential behavior issues with the foster parent so I knew I wasn't getting in over my head. I wanted my pets to help with my anxiety, not increase it! Of course, there is always some added stress when you are responsible for caring for a living creature, but for me, the benefits of adopting a pet far outweighed the extra responsibility. Thanks for sharing Dante with us, Morgan!
Thanks Heidi! There are certainly lots of other factors to consider when deciding whether or not a pet makes sense. They certainly can add stress, too! It's definitely a lifestyle change when one gets a pet (even the betta fish I gave my grandmother needed regular feedings, but it gave her some companionship, too).