The power power of pets in fighting depression

Written by: Marcelo Martins from Brazil

Email: itsmarcelomartins@gmail.com

When we think about happiness, flashes come into our minds like a kaleidoscope of good and eternal memories. Leonardo Boff, a philosopher and brazilian writer, said that “Happiness: is not running after the butterflies, but taking care of the garden to attract them”. That’s a beautiful and metaphorical way to talk about happiness, but sometimes, our own garden loses it’s charm and, in that way, depression sets in, but nothing is better than our pets to help us bring them back.

As we mentioned in previous articles — as in the “Pet therapy and how pets help us with our own health” — pets are more than just furry companions. They can be crucial for improving health — which includes people with depression — and their presence is very important, as it encourages the owner to move on and overcome that hurtful moment.

She arrives quietly, just like someone who wants nothing. One day, you wake up sad, discouraged. In the other, there is a feeling of emptiness and an uncontrollable urge to cry, for no apparent reason. Depression, also called Major Depressive Disorder, is a mental disorder characterized by the loss or diminished interest in life's activities and pleasures, significantly impairing everyday life. This problem generates anguish and profound lethargy, often for no apparent reason and which increasingly affects the population and our own productivity.

But have you ever thought about how our pets can help fight depression?

In a recent survey by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, 74% of pet owners said having a pet improved their mental health. According to that, studies back this up and show that activities with animals help with symptoms of depression. In that way, pets shows us that they can contribute to our happiness.

Studies also show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise (that increases endorphins, which fight depression) and improve your all-around health. For example, people with dogs have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease — just playing with dogs has been shown to elevate oxytocin and dopamine, creating positive feelings and bonding for both the person and their pet — For someone living with depression, there is so much to gain from having a pet.

Desiree Wiercyski, a life coach in Fort Wayne, IN says that "A pet can remind you that you're not alone” and continue "Pets offer unconditional love, which can be extraordinarily soothing when feeling isolated”. According to that, the clinical psychologist Perpetua Neo, PhD, agrees: "Animals pick up on when their owners are distressed," she says. When they sense you're not feeling well, they offer comfort. In fact, that’s the first thing that comes to our mind and it’s absolutely correct: when we’re in the presence of our pets, we feel comfortable and loved with them.

Also, they alter our behaviour, distract us from our problems, promote touch (increase oxytocin levels and reduce cortisol, the infamous stress-related hormone), socialization and finally help us create a routine — That’s right! With pets come great responsibility, and responsibility — according to depression research — promotes mental health. Positive psychologists assert that we build our self-esteem by taking ownership of a task, by applying our skills to a job. When we succeed, we reinforce to ourselves that we are capable of caring for another creature as well as ourselves.

Another way to have this type of care during this difficult time is through the psychiatric service dogs, that has been trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability and can help people with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are recognized as service animals by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). In that case, the patient must follow some criteria to attend this treatment.

Along these lines, we see that pets help in several health problems and one of them is the possibility of curing or, at least, reducing depression. The unconditional and pure love that animals express for the owner is very genuine and that's why they are great companions in this complicated time of life. There is no need to isolate yourself from society and live only with your pet, as it will not enhance the treatment. The ideal is just to enjoy your company and try to overcome the pain.

Last but not least, let’s remember that according to the WHO (World Health Organization), in 2020 depression will be the most disabling major disease worldwide. This means that those who suffer from depression have their routine turned inside out, so don't forget that depression is a serious disease and it’s very important to go to the doctor and make an appropriate appointment and treatment!