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Can Pets Help the Mentally Ill?
Pet ownership, for most, offers ongoing fulfillment that cannot be
duplicated. It affords boundless joy, comfort, companionship and,
more importantly, unconditional love and acceptance. These needs are
primal in humans. On the flip side, having a pet can be time
consuming and costly, but if you have the time and money, they are
definitely worth it.
Besides the obvious benefits, can pets can be therapeutic as well?
Some studies say, yes! Results of research being conducted across
the world support the claim that animals, do indeed, lower blood
pressure, lower cholesterol and increase exercising, all of which
help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Others even claim
that animals contribute to reducing anxiety, depression and can
improve self-esteem. I, for one, agree with them.
My personal experience with bipolar disorder mimics that of many
others. When I was unstable my symptoms included extreme mania and
severe depression, including three suicide attempts. I would have
attempted suicide numerous other times if it had not been for my
pets. At the time I owned two dogs (one has since passed away) and
simply knowing that they needed my care kept me alive. I
rationalized in my head that if they did not have me they would
surely die, and I didn't want that burden hanging over me. It may
not be a reasonable argument, but the mentally ill are often not
logical.
Also, my dogs were quite intuitive, recognizing when I was depressed
and needed extra attention. On the days I stayed in bed, they were
always with me, one on each side, within petting reach. It is
comforting and rewarding to pet an animal. They are always
appreciative of the attention and show you by wagging a tail,
nuzzling, purring, etc. That alone can put a smile on the face of
even the most depressed person. In addition, they forced me to get
out of bed when they needed to go outside or were hungry. Simply
getting up lifted my spirits. Had I been alone, I surely wouldn't
have moved from bed at all.
I encourage people who have a mental illness to consider getting a
pet. They add purpose to your life, provide you with a nonjudgmental
ear and are typically affectionate. All of these things can aid in
gaining stability. If you do not have the time or money for your own
pet, you can still benefit from the healing power of animals. Find a
friend with a pet, volunteer at a shelter or veterinarian's office
or even visit a local pet store that sells animals. In the end,
you'll be glad you did.
This article has been submitted in affiliation with http://www.PetLovers.Com/
which is a site for Pet Forums.
Terry J. Coyier is a 37-year-old college student studying for an
Associates of Applied Sciences degree. She is also a freelance
writer who writes about bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses.
Terry was diagnosed with bipolar ten years ago. She lives with her
son in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.
Best Pets For Depression
Can Pets Help the Mentally Ill?
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