How Pets Help Manage Depression

What Pets Can Offer if You're Depressed

Comfort, Companionship, and Love

Pets can provide a powerful antidote to the loneliness that often accompanies depression. As Desiree Wiercyski, a life coach in Fort Wayne, IN, explains, "A pet can remind you that you're not alone. Pets offer unconditional love, which can be extraordinarily soothing when feeling isolated." Wiercyski, who also lives with depression, notes that her dog helps her overcome feelings of worthlessness. "My pup has been right beside me offering comfort and love, reminding me that things aren't so bad."

Avigayil Brown, a 24-year-old from Brooklyn, NY, has experienced similar benefits. Having grown up surrounded by animals, she found that adopting two rescue kittens helped her manage her symptoms of depression. "When I was lying in my bed, my cats would come and snuggle with me. If I got out of bed just to go to the bathroom, my cats followed me. It was very calming," she shares.

A Regular Schedule

Caring for a pet can create a sense of purpose and routine, which is often lacking in those suffering from depression. Courtney Sparkman, a 29-year-old from Tulsa, OK, explains, "Even when I don't feel like getting out of bed or leaving the house, I know they're depending on me. It helps me make it through the day." Pets require daily care, which encourages regular activity and can help structure your day.

A Sense of Calm

Interacting with pets can also provide a sense of calm. Petting or stroking an animal can elevate oxytocin levels and lower cortisol, a stress-related hormone. This soothing effect is particularly noted in studies involving therapy dogs, where even brief interactions have been shown to reduce anxiety and fear. Sandra Barker, a professor of psychiatry and director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, cites a recent survey where individuals with severe depression reported feeling more relaxed and less lonely after short visits with a therapy dog.

Physical Activity

Pet ownership can increase your level of physical activity, which is beneficial for managing depression. Wiercyski points out that her dog motivates her to get outside, even on days when depression makes her want to stay indoors. "Even just those couple minutes outside raises my mood and makes me feel like I'm capable of something productive," she says.

Social Time

Pets can also encourage social interaction, which can be difficult for those with depression. Studies suggest that pets help people form connections, build friendships, and expand their support networks. "Dogs and babies are the things that connect strangers together," says clinical psychologist Perpetua Neo, PhD. "When you walk your dog, you might feel inclined to speak to complete strangers," which fosters social connections, a known antidote to depression.

What to Do With Your Pet

Pick the Right Pet

Selecting the right pet is crucial. Consider how much time, energy, and money you can dedicate to pet care. While dogs offer great companionship, they require more maintenance. For those with limited time or physical challenges, an older or more independent animal might be more suitable. Cats typically require less maintenance, while small animals like hamsters can be cheerful companions that take up little space.

Interact Often

Engage with your pet regularly. Playing, petting, and massaging your animal can significantly boost your mood. "The act of giving can be very mindful and very therapeutic," says Neo.

Get Up and Go

Be active with your pet. Take your dog for walks or bring your pet along when meeting others. "The simple act of doing more can alleviate depressive symptoms," Neo advises.

If you don't own a pet, you can still benefit by interacting with other people's animals. Offer to dog-sit for a friend or play with a neighbor's cat. This not only helps maintain social contact but also provides the mental health benefits that pets offer.

While a pet won't cure depression, it can offer a significant emotional and mental boost. Engaging with animals provides comfort, structure, and opportunities for social interaction, all of which contribute to managing symptoms of depression.