PETS AND MENTAL HEALTH- POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACT
RISING TREND OF PET OWNERSHIP:
- Due to changing lifestyle trends and perceptions, pet-friendly workplaces, and the rise in remote work, pets are now playing a much weightier role in daily life of Millennials and Gen-Z.
- They are increasingly seen as family members because they can offer emotional support and improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety.
- They can improve physical well-being and play a significant part in the activity and development of children (e.g., dog walks).
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PETS:
1. DECREASE IN STRESS:
Being around pets can help reduce stress by inducing the release of oxytocin and other calming hormones. According to research, there are therapeutic benefits of owning a pet; petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and heart rate by promoting relaxation. Additionally, pets offer constant company, comfort, and emotional support and aid in improvement of mood. Especially for those who live alone or have social anxiety, the nonjudgmental presence of pets can lessen feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
2. SENSE OF BONDING:
Pets, especially dogs, serve as social catalysts by promoting interactions with people at dog parks and on walks, giving their owners a sense of community and bonding. For people who might experience social anxiety or loneliness, pets offer a common interest through local or virtual communities, creating support networks and facilitating social opportunities. This sense of community can make pet owners feel connected with social support , enhancing their mental well-being.
3. ESTABLISHED ROUTINE:
Caring for a pet encourages exercise and helps create a good mental and physical health routine. Playtime and daily walks offer structure and regular movement, which not only improves mood and lowers anxiety and depression but also keeps a person active and healthy. This gives people with mental health disorders a sense of accomplishment and purpose while also ensuring control over their daily routines.
In a 2023 meta-analysis, pet ownership was found to positively influence owners’ physical activity, with pet owners showing a higher frequency of physical activity than non-owners.
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF PETS ON MENTAL HEALTH:
1. EMOTIONAL STRAIN FROM PET’S ILLNESS:
It can be emotionally taxing to witness a pet's disease or injury, leading to worry and a sense of powerlessness. A pet's illness can expedite costly treatments, sleep disturbances & irritability in owners. Moreover, losing a pet or seeing them deteriorate can be traumatic and frequently results in protracted sadness.
In people who are already struggling with mental health disorders, dealing with such additional strain can exacerbate symptoms of depression or anxiety. In a 2023 study, Pet bereavement has been identified as a significant issue. Research shows that losing a pet can result in intense grief lasting for weeks or even months. This experience can also lead to a loss of social connections, such as those formed during walks with the dog, as well as a diminished sense of relationship and support that the pet provided.
2. FINANCIAL STRAIN & FATIGUE:
The daily responsibilities that come with pet ownership—such as feeding, grooming, and ensuring medical care—can be incredibly draining. The need for constant vigilance and attention can often feel burdensome, resulting in sleeping difficulties and significant burnout for pet owners. It's essential to acknowledge the emotional and physical toll that these ongoing obligations can take on those who care for our beloved animals.
A WORD FROM MENTAL NURTURING:
Pets provide emotional support through unconditional love and companionship, helping people manage stress, sadness, and grief. Spending time with pets can stabilize mood and offer comfort, especially for those facing mental health challenges. Research on pets and psychological well-being suggests that for some people, the dependable presence of pets makes it easier to navigate difficult emotions.
However, there are drawbacks in like manner, such as heightened stress from caregiver duties, monetary expenses, expert veterinarian visits, and the grief of illness/death of a pet.
Pet ownership can pose significant health risks, as humans are often susceptible to infectious diseases transmitted from their animals, which can add to the health burden. Moreover, some pets exhibit behavioral problems, like aggression and separation anxiety, preventing their owners from participating in social activities, anger and frustration. It’s important for the pet owners to be mindful of the situation and seek help where needed as these challenges could potentially exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues, making it harder to handle everyday life.Ultimately, the impact of pets on mental health varies from person to person and depends on one’s situation. Prospective pet owners should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before opting for a responsibility.
RESOURCES:
1. Martins CF, Soares JP, Cortinhas A, Silva L, Cardoso L, Pires MA, Mota MP. Pet's influence on humans' daily physical activity and mental health: a meta-analysis. Front Public Health. 2023 May 30;11:1196199. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1196199. PMID: 37325330; PMCID: PMC10262044.
2. Overgaauw PAM, Vinke CM, Hagen MAEV, Lipman LJA. A One Health Perspective on the Human-Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 27;17(11):3789. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17113789. PMID: 32471058; PMCID: PMC7312520.
2. Overgaauw PAM, Vinke CM, Hagen MAEV, Lipman LJA. A One Health Perspective on the Human-Companion Animal Relationship with Emphasis on Zoonotic Aspects. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 27;17(11):3789. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17113789. PMID: 32471058; PMCID: PMC7312520.
4. Lass-Hennemann J, Schäfer SK, Sopp MR, Michael T. The relationship between attachment to pets and mental health: the shared link via attachment to humans. BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Sep 3;22(1):586. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-04199-1. PMID: 36057711; PMCID: PMC9441033.
Written by:
Hooria Jannat Javed,
Medically reviewed by:
Dr.Saba Munir, MBBS
On December 09, 2024
