The Power of Pets on Mental Health

@Tazzie

1. What do you think are some other positive effects of pets on mental health? Some positives about pets and mental health are that they keep us grounded to the here and now, they don't mind soggy fur when you have a meltdown, and it seems to me that some even try to actively console their owners who are stressed or depressed.

2. If you have pets, how do your pets support your own mental health? They help to keep a routine in the house which for me is calming. I have a cat who seems to know when I'm "not right" and will try to engage me in petting him by putting his head under my hand or nuzzling under my chin.

3. What is your take away message from this discussion? I think that animals can help us in many ways if we just listen with our hearts and accept their love and presence. To them we are "enough".

@Tazzie

This is very true!

@Tazzie

I just wanted to share --> I personally didn't get a therapy dog but my parents brought me a dog like a family dog to have something to focus on and i could walk and hug and he is so cute but a super pain in the butt sometimes aha! Pets are awesome <3

(Cool Lenon glasses picture)

1. What do you think are some other positive effects of pets on mental health?

They make us feel alive, not alone and a bit of warmth when we need it or kick them out of bed when they warm us up too much...😶😁😁

2. If you have pets, how do your pets support your own mental health?

I do not have anymore pets and that makes me feel very deeply sad...

3. What is your take away message from this discussion?

A very good topic, one of those topics I liked to be discussed...

Thank you...😶

They check on me when no one else does and makes me feel good unlike people

My two girls are my world. I adopted them 10+ years ago from a shelter and they have been with me through my entire adult life even when nobody else has. Friends, family, jobs have come and gone but even in the darkest moments I've had my two sweet kitties.

I have always felt closer and more emotionally attached to animals than people, which in some ways is especially good because animals love and accept unconditionally.

Additionally, my cats have saved my life twice, and I have saved one of their lives once and the other twice. One of them also can sense when I am having a health problem (mental or physical) and will come to me even though she has never been trained to do so.

I feel like a lot of people don't get the bond we have or think of animals as "just pets", and it's hard to explain all the ways in which that is not true .

I love my girls!

I killed my wolf....

1. Dogs can encourage their owners to exercise because they need to go on walks. This is good for mental health and physical health as well.

2. I have a betta fish, but I really want a dog and hope to own one in the future.

3. This topic is really important. Pets are very helpful for mental health.

@Tazzie

1. What do you think are some other positive effects of pets on mental health?

They aren't worried about the future or what will happen and for pets like dogs, they usually try to console their owner if they sense that something is wrong

2. If you have pets, how do your pets support your own mental health?

Ah well I have two fish so sometimes just watching them swim around and eat their food and just do stuff is pretty fun and relaxing. Sometimes, whenever I feel overwhelmed, I just look over at the fish tank and watch the fish swim around and just be chill and I just feel a little bit more relaxed :)

3. What is your take away message from this discussion?

That pets are an immense help with someone's mental health. They're so nonjudgemental and chill it's enviable :D

@Tazzie

1. What do you think are some other positive effects of pets on mental health?

I think that pets also help us to form connections. Sometimes if you are feeing lonely or isolated, having a small (or large!) furry (or scaly) creature treat you like you are the most important thing in their world can make you feel less alone. Pets can also help you form connections with other people, becaus when in doubt, talking about your pets is a great way to get conversation flowing.

2. If you have pets, how do your pets support your own mental health?

I actually adopted my pets to help me adjust to a pretty big change in my life. They didn't suddenly make me feel better or make my sadness or sense of feeling lost go away, but it's pretty hard to be 100% miserable when you have 2 small fur balls trying to sit in your lap at the same time or shoving their cold noses in your sleeping face.

3. What is your take away message from this discussion?

Pets probably give us a lot more than we ever give them. Though I'm sure they would appreciate more love in the form of treats and pets (and play time)