We already know that pets are good for the heart and can improve breathing capacity. A new study, published in the BMC Psychiatry Journalfound that the constant presence and physical proximity of pets would provide a immediate source of calm and a therapeutic benefit to owners. Researchers suggest that pets should be considered a primary source of support in managing long-term mental health issues.
The very important pets in the lives of 60% sick people
The study’s lead author, Helen Brooks, from the University of Manchester (UK), interviewed 54 adults, aged 18 and over. These people were in the care of community mental health services and had been diagnosed with a serious mental illness.
Participants were asked to rank the people and things in their personal network – friends, family, healthcare professionals, pets, hobbies, places, activities and objects – by placing them on a pattern of three concentric circles. Everything that was placed in the central circle was considered the most important. Animals were ranked as the most important for 60% of the volunteers, and 20% placed their animal in the second circle.
Animals would help their master to overcome difficult trials
The reasons ? For the participants, the animals helped them overcome difficult times and suicidal thoughts by distracting them. “People we spoke to during this study felt that their animal played a range of positive roles,” the research author said. I own two dogs myself and I could certainly identify the benefits being talked about, but I was surprised by the depth and range of roles the animals play.”
Helpful in helping manage the stigma associated with their mental health by providing non-judgmental acceptance, pets were also considered particularly useful in times of crisis. Thus, they brought a unique form of validation through unconditional support, which they often did not receive through other family or social relationships.
Treat mental disorders with pets?
“Despite the benefits identified in companion animals, they were not considered or incorporated into individual care plans for any of the people in our study,” noted Helen Brooks.
The study thus suggested the need for more creative approaches to mental health care, including pets as a source of support in the management of long-term mental health problems.
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