|
|
The psychological relationship between us and our pets and how they can keep us sane
There is nothing that can compare to the unconditional love that pets bring to us. They can help improve our mental health and quality of life. There have been many cases of pets helping people improve depression and anxiety. The main reason is that they demand our undivided attention and cause us to focus outward instead of inward. When we become depressed or anxious, all of our focus is on ourselves and we have trouble seeing things from a larger perspective. We have what can be called tunnel vision because we are stuck in our own mind. Many pet owners have claimed that because their best friends demand their attention, it causes a change in focus and can eliminate troublesome symptoms and elevate their mood.
Pets may be beneficial to a child's development
Children learn a tremendous amount of social skills and nurturing skills from caring for pets. A pet can cause a child to open up emotionally and verbally. Interpersonal skills can increase and irritability can decrease when a child develops a connection with a pet. For children and adults, pets can add to one's social life. Did you ever notice if you are walking alone on a street and pass a stranger, you may not get a glance or a hello from the stranger? However, if you are walking your dog you will be more likely to get a smile or hello from the stranger. Pets are an ice breaker for people. They tend to give people permission to be friendly.
A friend in need is a friend indeed
During the period after the events of September 11, the pets in the Battery Park City neighborhood kept many of their owners alive, stable, and able to cope. Numerous people stated that they could not function after witnessing the horrific events without the love of their pets. The pets were traumatized too, but had the ability to give the love and support to their owners that was needed. They have a remarkable sixth sense and almost always step up to the occasion when love and hugs are needed.
Pets in clinical therapy
Pet therapy is also widely used in hospitals and residential settings. Program Coordinator for HELP (Hospital Elder Life Program) at Hackensack University Medical Center, Nadine Benoit, stated that pets can be extremely helpful with patients of all ages. For elderly patients with dementia, pet therapy dogs who visit the hospital have helped patients cognitively and functionally. The dogs help to stimulate conversation and memories in these patients. In addition, while patients pet and brush the dogs they are increasing their range of motion. Benoit also stated that as a pet therapy volunteer in the pediatric unit, her dog helped children during dialysis treatments and blood drawing serving as a distraction for the children.
Pets have feelings too
As every pet owner will surely agree, pets also have feelings, not unlike humans—depression, anxiety, joy, and happiness... If we don't take care of our own mental health our pets can become upset too. It is a reciprocal relationship and because we can become so close and in tune with our little friends, they are in tune with us as well. We must remember that we are responsible, as pet owners, to take care of our friends and by improving our own mood and stress levels, we can actually improve our relationship with our pets, too.
The amount that pets can contribute to our lives is unlimited. In the mental health community it is widely experienced by practitioners that clients with pets have an easier time coping during a crisis. The next time you feel down, give your pet some treats and let the excitement of the animal temporarily take over your stressful time.
Walk, run or just play with your pet to add more joy in your and their lives. After all, having a great time with your best friend is always a treat for both of you! Enjoy!
Pamela Tinkham, MSW, LCSW is a psychotherapist specializing in weight control, addictions, stress management, relationships, anxiety and depression. Pamela is also a nationally certified Personal Fitness Trainer from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Pamela has a private practice in North Stamford and is currently the Director of Behavioral Health at The Healthy Obsession; a weight loss program in Pleasantville, NY. Website: www.mindbodyfitnessLLC.com. Telephone (203) 621-0242
© Copyright by StamfordPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of StamfordPlus.com, Stamford Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar.
Related Articles:
Pumpkin Patch weekends offered in October at SM&NC - Sep 1, 2008 - 6:27 PM
Free monthly dog behavior seminars offered at SM&NC - Aug 29, 2008 - 9:00 AM
Curb appeal - Aug 29, 2008 - 1:48 AM
What to do when your pup is under the weather - Aug 27, 2008 - 10:02 AM
Entries for the 2nd Annual "Cutest Cat and Kid Digital Photo Contest" now accepted - Aug 6, 2008 - 2:07 PM
CURRENT HEADLINES:
Top of Page
|
|
|
