Did you know that animals have proven to provide joy to virtually anyone who wishes to have one in their life and call them a pet. They are even more so important when it comes to people with disabilities, however, most jump to the assumption of a seeing-eye-dog when envisioning an animal assisting a person with a disability; although they have proven to be a significantly important assets to the vision impaired, they can be much more than this stereotypical view.

A furry friend can provide substantial psychological benefits for those with a variety of diagnoses such as ADHD or autism, just to name a few. These animals help to provide calm and relieve stress in overwhelming situations. The animal will require care and attention which helps support that individual build a sense of purpose and routine; a much-desired skill that can be transferred into other areas of life.

More recently, animals have shown to be useful in helping with other conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD by providing emotional support.

So how exactly do Animals help to Improve Mental Health?

Often, when an individual is suffering from a mental health condition, they can feel isolated and unable to fully divulge their feelings to others; therefore, having an animal around can be a great sense of comfort, help reduce stress levels, improve mood, and even provide an avenue for socialisation.

Animals can sometimes give a person a sense of purpose, and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. It’s also sometimes a positive distraction to have responsibility for caring for something other than yourself, and in turn, you’re more likely to look after yourself if you know an animal is relying on you.

There are numerous benefits to exercise, which is often difficult for people struggling with mental health conditions. However, having an animal that requires regular walks gives people a reason to get up and about. It can also help with social anxiety as the animal can act as an icebreaker in a social setting.

With so many benefits to owning an animal, if you or someone you know suffers from any of the above-mentioned mental health conditions, consider investing in a furry companion.

For more information, contact our team on 0481 092 861, or submit your referral here.