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Pet Therapy: Happiness on a Leash

Mental Health Awareness

By Wayne IncePublished 2 months ago 5 min read
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Ollie the Therapy Dog | Photo Credit: Author

I recently read a story about the positive impact of pet therapy on veterans. The article shared a heartwarming tale of a veteran who was dealing with PTSD and depression. The story focused on John, a veteran with an extensive service history, who had been diagnosed with PTSD and depression. Similar to veterans in our country, John faced challenges transitioning back to civilian life and was grappling with intense feelings of anxiety and loneliness. However, his life changed after his introduction to pet therapy. John's therapist paired him with a service dog named Max, who provided companionship and emotional support. Max played a role in easing John's symptoms by offering security, reducing anxiety levels, and encouraging him to participate in daily activities. With Max by his side, John regained his confidence over time and began actively engaging in social events and outings. The bond between John and Max deepened daily, making Max an essential part of his healing process.

Through therapy, John experienced an improvement in his mental well-being, leading him to rediscover a sense of purpose and joy.

I have a heartwarming success story to share that's personal and showcases the impact of pet therapy on military veterans dealing with mental health challenges.

He experienced an improvement in his mental well-being through pet therapy. It's remarkable how animals can make such a difference in our lives for those who have served in the military. I hope more people consider pet therapy as an option for enhancing their mental health. Pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, has demonstrated promising outcomes in boosting well-being. Being around animals like dogs or cats can offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support. Studies have indicated that interacting with animals can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression while promoting happiness and overall wellness.

I trust that more individuals will embrace pet therapy as an approach to addressing their mental health concerns. While traditional therapeutic methods work for many, they may not resonate with everyone. Pet therapy presents an alternative for individuals to form deep connections with animals.

Photo Credit: Author | Dog sitting on lianai

The unconditional love and acceptance from animals create an environment for those grappling with mental health issues. Pets have this knack for picking up on their owner's emotions and providing comfort and emotional support. The weight of anxiety is lessened through pet therapy as well as the tidal wave of depression that washes over me but dissapates within the comforting fur of my cavapoo, Ollie. His eyes alone reduces my stress levels and brings me back from edge of sadness to the present and better options.

Getting involved in activities with animals, like going for walks or playing together, can boost activity levels and encourage social connections. Activities can be beneficial for those who may feel lonely or isolated. Especially, feeding and grooming activities that serve to keep those with post traumatic stress disorder active and present.

Even individuals without diagnosed health issues can find pet therapy beneficial. It's something that can improve anyone's well-being. Whether it's spending time with a therapy dog in a hospital setting or participating in activities involving animals, the positive impact of pet therapy is worth exploring. While some people may have allergies that limit their choice of pets, many dogs are hypoallergenic. It won't trigger allergic reactions by shedding hair.

For instance, breeds like Poodles, Bichon Frises, and Portuguese Water Dogs are often considered hypoallergenic due to their shedding and low dander production. I have a Cavapoo dog, a mix of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle breeds. These dogs are options for individuals with allergies because their coats trap allergens, effectively preventing allergic reactions caused by these allergens entering the air.

Having a dog can be enjoyable for people with allergies as they can still benefit from the companionship without experiencing reactions.

By embracing therapy, more individuals can discover the positive impact of bonding with animals. Pet therapy, also called animal-assisted therapy, has shown the potential to enhance mental well-being. The presence of animals like dogs or cats can offer comfort, companionship, and emotional support. Studies have indicated that interacting with animals may help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression while boosting happiness and overall wellness.

I hope more people will consider pet therapy as an option for addressing their mental health needs. While traditional forms of therapy work well for many, pet therapy provides an avenue for connecting with animals on a deeper level.

Animals' unconditional love and accepting nature can create an environment for those dealing with mental health challenges. Pets can sense and respond to their owner's emotions, offering comfort and stability. Walking or playing with pets can increase activity levels and encourage social interactions.

Interacting with therapy animals can benefit not only those facing loneliness or isolation but also individuals seeking to enhance their well-being. Whether it involves spending time with a therapy dog in a hospital setting or participating in animal-assisted activities, veterans should consider therapy's positive impacts.

Therapy dogs in hospitals offer comfort and companionship to patients, contributing positively to their health. Similarly, engaging in animal-assisted activities has proven beneficial for individuals dealing with health issues, allowing them to interact with therapy animals across various environments.

We should not underestimate The potential of therapy to improve mental well-being. Numerous studies have highlighted how interactions with therapy animals can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. These animals' calming and nonjudgmental nature can create an atmosphere that enables individuals to escape their concerns and focus on the moment moment momentarily.

Research indicates pet therapy enhances skills and promotes increased social interactions among those with mental health conditions. For those who find socializing challenging or struggle to connect with others, having a therapy animal can be a way to start conversations and build relationships.

Research has indicated that pet therapy can boost self-esteem and confidence. The unconditional love and acceptance from therapy animals can make individuals feel valued and important, fostering a sense of self-worth. Pet therapy is particularly beneficial for those dealing with self-esteem or mental health issues.

Studies have found that pet therapy can help alleviate loneliness and isolation. The presence of therapy animals can decrease loneliness. Create a feeling of belonging. Individuals facing isolation due to mental health issues find comfort in having therapy animals around as they provide crucial social connection and support.

In summary, the advantages of pet therapy for improving health are significant. From reducing stress to enhancing skills and boosting self-esteem, the positive impacts make pet therapy a worthwhile option to explore. By including therapy in mental health treatment plans, individuals can experience the healing benefits that animals offer, improving overall well-being. My cavapoo is my anxiety sponge helping me to cope on a daily basis.

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About the Creator

Wayne Ince

A military veteran that loves to read and write stories and poetry about mental health, love, and horror, and diversity topics. Boring on the surface, but I hope you enjoy my work and discover something more underneath the surface.

Reader insights

Nice work

Very well written. Keep up the good work!

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  • Randy Baker2 months ago

    Well done on this! I've considered looking into this. I can definitely see the potential benefits. I'm also going to have to look into the cavapoo. Not sure I'd heard of them before, but seems like a type of dog I would appreciate.

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