Pets enhance our lives in so many ways.
They help us feel a little safer when living alone and unsure of what lays out in the dark of night. They offer us comfort during trying times and put a smile on our faces when the workweek comes back around again. Time after time, pets give us something to look forward to…all without even trying! Taking good care of your dog or cat is the least you can do after all the times they picked you back up. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness this year, this might be a topic you’re thinking about more often.
The benefits of certification extend to mobility issues and mental health issues. What are the best pets for depression and how can a furry face help turn your life around?
The Most Popular Pets In America
Americans love their pets. A recent study found nearly 45% of American families include at least one dog, bringing the total canine population to a staggering 80 million. That doesn’t even touch on cats, which many prefer for their easier clean-up and small size. That’s not to say you can’t find a smaller dog breed that’s better suited to a small apartment! Just like us pets are diverse and flexible, able to fit into many lifestyles and many hearts with ease.
Common Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorders
You may have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder these past few years. This form of mental illness takes on many different forms, from obsessive-compulsive disorder to panic disorder. Some of the more common, broad symptoms include racing thoughts, intrusive thoughts, trouble sleeping, difficulty socializing, and constant tension. Physical symptoms include sweaty palms, chest pain, and headaches. Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the country and affect as many as 40 million at any given time.
Common Symptoms Of Depression Disorders
It’s possible to have several forms of mental illness. Depression is another common issue that can make day-to-day life difficult. An estimated one out of four Americans (that’s 25% of the total adult population) live with a diagnosable mental disorder. There is no singular cure for depression, but there are several resources that can make the stressful workweek more manageable. Alongside attending regular therapy (including one-on-one and group) you can seek out the benefits of certification for pets.
The Positive Impact Of Pets On Mental Health
As you’ve likely already gleaned, pets are very good for our mental health. Learning how to adopt an emotional support dog is a great first step toward making depression, anxiety, or PTSD more manageable. Back in 2015 a major airline carried nearly 25,000 emotional support animals. This lines up with a recent survey observing just how common emotional support dogs and cats are becoming to the mental health of the American populace. Almost 75% of respondents in a mental health survey stated they reported significant life improvement when they adopted an animal.
The Benefits Of Certification For Mentally Ill Owners
If you’ve considered adopting a support dog, your first step is to look into the benefits of certification. There are many establishments that won’t accept animals in the building or on the plane unless you have certification on-hand. You can apply for an ESA letter online or ask your therapist about how to go about getting an emotional support animal to help with your symptoms. Each state has its own laws surrounding ESA ownership, so be sure to double-check whenever you decide to move to a new place. It’s a little bit of work, but the benefits will be felt for years to come.
Overcoming social anxiety disorder or reducing your depressive symptoms isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Perhaps what you could use in these trying times is a helping hand…or paw!