The Benefits of Pets on Your Mental Health

Pets teach us valuable lessons about love by providing companionship and being there throughout life’s happy and difficult moments; they’re part of the family, whether you’re a child or an adult. But, perhaps the most incredible thing about animals is their ability to help you heal and become healthier – both mentally and physically.

In particular, pets helps your mental health by:

1. Keeping you company. Depending on the type of pet, you can cuddle with them, tell them about your day and take them places – like on a walk or for a ride in the car. Even though they can’t respond during a conversation, your pets can still listen, which may be all you need. As such, they’re often a dependable source of comfort for their owners.
2. Encouraging exercise. If your pet needs to go outside, it’s easy to get into the habit of a regular walking routine. What’s more, exercise has been proven to enhance your mood, decrease depression and improve the quality of your sleep.
3. Giving you a purpose. If you’re depressed or don’t sleep well at night, it could be difficult to get out of bed in the morning. However, pets have daily requirements, which encourage owners to get up to tend to their needs, such as being let outside to go to the bathroom, going on a walk or feeding them.
4. Protecting you. You may have certain triggers that make you feel anxious or nervous, but pets can help you feel calm and protected. Plus, animals alert us to potential dangers and can also be a nice distraction to encourage peace of mind.

Pets are more than just animals; they also bolster your mental health. The responsibility of caring for them creates daily touchpoints and builds meaningful connections that enhance your mental health.

While pets are great companions, be sure to talk with your primary care provider if you are experiencing irregular sleep, symptoms related to depression, or thoughts about hurting yourself or others. If you don’t have a primary care provider, we can help you find one.