Many Americans struggle on a daily basis in their fight against depression. A variety of studies have shown that pet ownership can help with the symptoms of depression. There are numerous reasons why pets may be instrumental in helping to elevate the mood of a depressed person.
Pets provide companionship.
Depression can be an isolating experience. A pet can provide friendship and constant companionship so that the depressed individual is never alone with his or her symptoms. A dog or cat can be excellent choices for a person fighting depression since they are social animals that thrive on human interaction and attention. Having a dog or cat that needs care and nurturing helps to raise the self esteem of a depressed person.
Pets provide a reason to get up in the morning and help to reduce isolation.
Many depressed people say they don't have a reason to want to get up in the morning. A lively dog needs to be walked and fed which can give the depressed person a purpose. This may be enough motivation to encourage the depressed individual to get out of bed and approach the day in a healthy manner. Owning a pet also helps the depressed person add structure his or her life which can help to ease the symptoms of depression.
A pet can help a depressed person get more exercise.
Numerous studies have shown that exercise has a positive effect on the symptoms of depression. Having a pet that needs to be walked each morning is a great motivator for getting out of the house and moving. Plus, exercise promotes release of endorphins which may reduce depressive symptoms. A daily routine of walking a pet affords a depressed person the opportunity to maintain better contact with the outside world which can help with depression.
A pet provides love and affection.
Pets thrive on love and attention which helps a depressed person feel needed. The act of giving and receiving love from a pet can help a depressed individual interact with humans in a healthy manner.
Pets are a source of amusement.
It's hard to focus on your depression when a pet does something comical. Pets are completely unselfconscious and may help the depressed individual focus less on his or her own problems.
It will be important when selecting a pet for a depressed person that consideration be given to the person's age and health status. An older, depressed person with physical problems probably won't benefit from a high strung dog that needs constant exercise and stimulation. A smaller, more docile dog, a cat, or even a small animal such as a gerbil or ferret would more likely be an ideal companion for such an individual. By choosing a pet carefully, a depressed individual may find pet ownership to be quite effective in their fight against depression.
