What Are The Best Pets For Depression?

What are the best pets for depression?

Fighting depression is a struggle. Around 1 in 15 Americans have experienced depression in the past year, and that number only looks set to continue to rise in the future. While treatments are improving and awareness is increasing every day, it’s a sad reality that mental health issues like depression only look set to increase in the future.

Luckily, one of the latest trends in therapy to treat depression is as cute as it is effective. Emotional support animals have shown huge promise in the treatment of depression.

In this article, we explore how depression affects the brain, how animals can change brain function for the better and which pets are the best choice for fighting against this potentially life-threatening condition.

Depression: How It Works

Depression is a condition that causes prolonged periods of depressed mood. Many believe that depression is down to a chemical imbalance in the brain, however, unfortunately, it is not that simple. Scientists now believe that the cause of depression is a complex array of factors, that is specific to each individual, which is one of the things that makes it so hard to treat.

Depression is caused not only by a biochemical lack of essential 'happy' chemicals such as serotonin but can also be affected by genetic predisposition, personality, and environmental factors. New research is also showing that a number of environmental factors can have a strong impact on our mental health, some that are rooted in childhood experiences and traumatic living situations.

Depression Signs and Symptoms

Most know that depression is a state of feeling down; however, depression is certainly not a normal case of the blues.

Depression occurs when an individual experiences a prolonged depressed mood (6 weeks or more), loses interest in things they once enjoyed, has appetite changes, sleep problems, experiences feelings of worthlessness or self-loathing, has difficulties concentrating and/or thoughts of suicide or death. A person experiencing depression may not exhibit all of these factors, so an assessment by a licensed mental health professional is required.

If you think you may be suffering from depression, it’s not a good idea to self-diagnose (or self-medicate). Diagnosis is best made by a licensed mental health professional who can assess your condition and create a treatment plan to treat your depression.

Animals and Their Effect on Brain Chemistry

While brain chemistry is not the only single contributing factor in depression, it is part of the condition. One of the wonderful things about animals is the way in which they can have a strong positive impact on our brain chemistry. Studies have shown that interacting with animals can have a number of amazing effects on the chemical levels in our brain.

They have been shown to decrease stress, increase feel-good chemicals in the brain, and improve overall well-being in mental health patients. Being around animals naturally decreases the level of cortisol in our brain, which is the hormone responsible for stress. Animal interaction also helps our brains to pump up the level of oxytocin and even dopamine, the former of which ensures we feel loved and the latter, pleasure.

Psychological Effects of Animal Interaction

Another excellent benefit of using pets as an aid to fight against depression are their psychological benefits. Pets are excellent at providing on-demand attention at all times, meaning their support is always available. This is crucial for those with depression, who can often feel isolated and lonely when suffering from their symptoms.

Another psychological plus for pet owners is the routine they provide, just by being around. Pets have needs which must be met by their owners, encouraging healthy routine and behaviors, disguised as simply looking after a gorgeous pet! There are many other psychological benefits of pets which researchers agree can help to benefit a number of mental health conditions.

Best Pets for Depression

When it comes to choosing the best pets for depression, there are a few standouts. Of course, it’s extremely important to take into account your lifestyle and limits when it comes to your pet, both for their health and yours. Here are some of the best pets for fighting depression.

Dogs

Dogs are excellent therapy animals due to their loyalty, affectionate nature and positive energy. Dogs can help their owners to engage with others and be more active due to their exercise needs. Dogs are a great choice to relieve depression, however, they do have quite specific needs.

Many dogs require a medium to a large amount of space in order to be happy and comfortable and added to this they require exercise at least once a day. They also need constant care so it can be difficult to travel without them; however, the plus side of this is as an emotional support animal they are allowed to accompany their owner on planes, and they travel extremely well.

Cats

Cats are tranquil, cuddly pets that help us to feel happier just by being in their presence. These low maintenance pets don't need much space and are extremely easy to look after, making them a great choice for those with depression. Cats also have very low exercise needs and can be quite independent which can be pluses for sufferers of depression.

Rabbits

Soft, silky rabbits make excellent companion animals for people struggling from depression. Their quiet, lovable nature makes them suited to those who are not suited to a gregarious dog or a vocal cat. Rabbits are incredibly smart pets and can even be toilet trained. They require enough space for a hutch and access to fresh grass every so often. They are completely silent, so could be a good choice in treating depression for those living in apartments or shared accommodation.

Animals and pets, in particular, are an excellent natural and safe antidote to depression. With proven results in improving our brain chemistry and promising psychological effects, they're a viable option to improve the lives of depression sufferers. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, talk to a licensed mental health professional today to see if you or they qualify for an emotional support animal (get more information on a ​emotional support animal. l (get more information on a Emotional Support Animal ​)​.