Many people are struggling with their mental health and may be trying to find solutions to make it more manageable. Some people may not realize that pets can help those struggling with mental health.
Pets can provide companionship and help people feel less alone by reminding them that they have a companion who will always give them love and support.
According to the Forbes article “Psychologist explores the transformative power of pets on mental health” by Mark Travers, there are two ways pets can help protect someone's mental health: Plant it and it will help you. Stay physically active.
In his article, Travers explained how when people adopt a dog or cat for the first time, they can immediately feel a connection to them. They quickly form a special bond with each other and help someone realize that their life has a purpose, just like pets have a purpose in life.
traverse We also explained that pets can encourage their owners to be physically active, as pets can get exercise by going for walks with their owners and playing fetch with them. They can give their owners the motivation they need to be active and spend more time together.
“For example, most dog breeds need outdoor exercise to stay healthy,” Travers says.
Pets will disturb their owners when they see them playing video games, watching movies, or using their cell phones. This is a way to get the owner's attention. Because owners want to do things that are physically fun and active for both them and their owners.
People are always trying to find a special connection, and the connection with animals will always be special in a person's life.
“It's about the need and desire for connection and love that pets can reciprocate just like other humans,” says Jessica Avancena, a licensed marriage and family therapist. She also works as a counselor in the Wellness Center at California State University, Bakersfield.
Pets don't just help with physical activity. It also helps reduce stress and boost your mood.
“I think pets can really help reduce stress and anxiety. You notice that when you have a dog. […] I like having them because they always help me think better,” said Samantha Gomez, a human biology major at California State University, Bakersfield.
Animals can reduce a person's daily stress by providing them with lots of love, compassion, and empathy. Dogs in particular are known for being highly empathetic towards humans.
Overall, owning a pet is a great way to help a person forget about all the stressful events happening in their life as it allows them to feel safe, happy and loved.