Dogs are loyal and are our best friends. Past and recent studies have affirmed that they help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here are ways showing how our furry pals assist us in staying sane and promoting sound mental health.
Dogs Help Us Change Behavior
All the agitation and anxiety brought about by a stressful, tiring day can easily be wiped out with a smile by our dog simply licking our face and greeting us "welcome home". Dogs have a simple purity in them that humans often fail to access in themselves, and this purity allows us to simply be with them. Instead of projecting our anger to other people, dogs allow us to calm ourselves and pause our breath, our minds, our speech, and our overall behavior.
Dogs Promote Responsibility
Countless studies on depression have revealed that having a sense of responsibility and empowerment promotes mental health. According to positive psychologists, being able to assert and take ownership of a task and apply our skills and knowledge can help ease feelings of worthlessness. This applies to taking care of a dog or any other pet. Dogs require heaps of responsibility from its human friend, from bathing to feeding to walking. Dogs also help bring structure to the day, giving us a sense of purpose even for just the next task to be ticked off the to-do list.
Dogs Naturally Give Unconditional Acceptance and Love
Dogs will always be there for us, devoid of any criticism and judgment. In one Johns Hopkins Depression and Anxiety Bulletin, Karen Swartz, MD, shares research revealing how St. Louis nursing home residents felt less lonely whenever they spend time alone with a dog, compared to spending time with a dog and other residents. The study concluded that sometimes, it is more beneficial for us to spend time with just our dog friends in quietness than with our opinion-filled human buddies.
