Below is Viven’s experience of what it has been like to own pets. Read on to see how her guinea pigs have affected her mental health.
What made you decide to adopt a pet? I wanted to adopt pets to have some companionship. I believe that my pets were going to provide a loving affection and would be something fun. I have thought about getting pets for some time and felt this would be the right time to get it.
What do you enjoy the most about having pets? One thing I enjoy a lot about having pets is that they show you a lot of affection and enjoy spending a lot of time with you. I enjoy spending my time with them and they give me a lot of attention. I love that both my guinea pigs fight for my attention.
What are some challenges? The most challenging part of having pets was building a routine. It was important that I made sure that I fed them on time and cleaned their cage when necessary. This was challenging in the beginning because it was not something that I was used to, however, I think once you get a routine going, it is not as challenging anymore.
Do you feel that getting pets has affected your health and mental health in a positive or negative way? How? I feel that my guinea pigs have helped my mental health in a positive way. Being forced to stay at home right now because of Covid and not being able to see anyone has been very challenging. I enjoy having face-to-face interaction and right now that’s not really possible, but my guinea pigs have helped some of those challenges. They provide me with a lot of love, affection and attention. My guinea pigs have also helped me with my anxiety, whenever I feel anxious, I hold my guinea pigs close to my chest and they help calm me down and relax.
Pets have many benefits for our mental health. Below are some health benefits according to helpguide.org
Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets. One study even found that when people with borderline hypertension adopted dogs from a shelter, their blood pressure declined significantly within five months.
Playing with a dog or cat can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
Pet owners over age 65 make 30 percent fewer visits to their doctors than those without pets.
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes plays an important role in easing symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Caring for a pet can help you make healthy lifestyle changes by:
Increasing exercise. Taking a dog for a walk, hike, or run are fun and rewarding ways to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule.
Providing companionship. Companionship can help prevent illness and even add years to your life, while isolation and loneliness can trigger symptoms of depression. Caring for a live animal can help make you feel needed and wanted, and take the focus away from your problems, especially if you live alone.
Helping you meet new people. Pets can be a great social lubricant for their owners, helping you start and maintain new friendships. Reducing anxiety. The companionship of an animal can offer comfort, help ease anxiety, and build self-confidence for people anxious about going out into the world. Because pets tend to live in the moment—they do not worry about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow—they can help you become more mindful and appreciate the joy of the present.
Adding structure and routine to your day. Many pets, especially dogs, require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps an animal balanced and calm—and it can work for you, too. No matter your mood—depressed, anxious, or stressed—one plaintive look from your pet and you will have to get out of bed to feed, exercise, and care for them.
Providing sensory stress relief. Touch and movement are two healthy ways to quickly manage stress. Stroking a dog, cat, or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you quickly feel calmer and less stressed.
By: Viven N. Citations Robinson, L., Lundgren, K., & Segal, R. (2020, September). The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets - HelpGuide.org. HelpGuide.Org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm