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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nAnd this could possibly also serve to snap some people out of episodes of Rumination. I have a Nice Neighbour who really Loves her Bow Wow......she takes him for 15-30 Minute Walks through a Small Park in front of my house and a few streets each day. It makes him very happy. And they love to sit together in her Living Room and play together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
6 Reasons A Pet Is Good For Your Mental Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Andrea Karr - Canadian Living<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their cute factor isn't the only thing they have going for them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a pet\u2014especially one of the furry variety\u2014you're probably familiar with the surge of love you feel when she curls up next to you. Or the way petting his head and feeling his soft fur under your fingertips makes a stressful work day fade into the distance. It's not just love. Your pet can have a real physiological impact on your body and can measurably ease distressing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD<\/a> and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you have a diagnosed mental illness<\/a>, or simply experience loneliness, sadness or stress (don't we all!), here's how your pet helps you cope: <\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. She'll increase feel-good hormones.<\/strong> 2. He's non-judgmental.<\/strong> 3. She's a comforting presence.<\/strong> 4. He offers distraction.<\/strong> 5. She provides perceived protection. <\/strong> 6. Active animals promote exercise and social interaction.<\/strong> Of course, there are many factors that can affect the benefits of pet ownership including your pet's personality<\/a>. For example, an aggressive animal might increase your cortisol levels and lead you to avoid social interaction\u2014not helpful when it comes to mental health! A busy schedule and financial instability could also provide a barrier to positive interaction, meaning that owning a pet may not be the right choice for you. However, if you have the time and money, and can find a pet who suits your personality, he\/she could play a big part in your recovery or in the preservation of your wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Article Source HERE<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adopting a pet <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of a pet in your daily life not only reduces cortisol, the hormone responsible for stress, but also increases the levels of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin in the blood. In addition to reducing anxiety and feelings of loneliness, living with an animal increases feelings of well-being and extends them for longer. Source HERE<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Janets Comments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I have a different Neighbour who Loves her Pets. She has Bipolar and has lost the interest of her Mother since an early age, and a few Friends. Due to serious Side Effects, she can't take Medical Tablets of any kind. This Neighbour finds considerable comfort and pleasure in her pets and her Gardening Interests and seems quite well adjusted considering her circumstances. She likes to go for Walks as well. People could really learn from what she has found works for her. To me, she is a likable, courageous and sensible person who has some really good ideas. She also looks after her Health with Healthy Foods as well - she grows some Herbs and Veggies in her small garden.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hi Folks, I had a lot of time on my hands 20 Years ago and I can see the benefit having a Nice little Pet would be for someone with Disturbed Thoughts of some kind - which Mental Health presents us with often. 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StudiesOpens in a new window<\/a> have found that interaction with dogs, specifically our own pets, increases levels of feel-good hormones including serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin (which combats the stress hormone cortisol). Petting your own pup for 15 minutes can also decrease blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For many people, a therapist's office becomes a safe space to discuss negative thoughts and fears without interruption or judgment. But what if you can't afford therapy or have trouble finding a therapist that you trust? A pet can provide that supportOpens in a new window<\/a> because he'll never interrupt, criticize, give unwanted advice or gossip about your deepest, darkest secrets. He gives unconditional love and that promotes self-acceptance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Canada, there are more one-person householdsOpens in a new window<\/a> than any other type of living arrangement. That means many of us come home to an empty house or apartment and go to sleep and wake up alone. A pet becomes like a roommate, offering a physical presence\u2014and often physical contact\u2014that alleviates loneliness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One issue with mental illness is many sufferers turn inward and become obsessed with repetitive, negative or suicidal thoughts. Pets can bring their loved ones back into the present moment in the same way that practising mindfulness encourages an awareness of the surrounding environment. Sweet little clowns, our pets can provide humourOpens in a new window<\/a> or redirect our attention to a game or activity. Service dogs, in particular, are trained to interrupt rumination, sometimes by nudging their owner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For an individual with post-traumatic stress disorderOpens in a new window<\/a> (PTSD) and a tendency toward hypervigilanceOpens in a new window<\/a> (meaning they're always on high alert for signs of danger), or who experiences bouts of paranoia, a pet can act a bit like a safety blanket that offers protection against potential threats, real or imagined. Even if that protection comes in the form of sounding an alarm when there's an intruder or fire, it may help an anxious person sleep better at night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Isolation and inactivity can be side effects of mental health issues, but any animal that needs to be exercised will get its owner outside\u2014maybe even out into nature, which can improve happiness and world connectednessOpens in a new window<\/a>. Dogs, in particular, build social capitalOpens in a new window<\/a> because they encourage community engagement. (How many times have you stopped to say hi to someone because of their cute pup?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n