The Healing Power of Pets: How Cats and Dogs Can Improve Mental Health

Written by Seth Taylor, ALMFT

Our pets have an extraordinary ability to brighten our lives, offering unconditional love and support. But did you know that the mental health benefits of having a pet extend far beyond companionship? Cats and dogs, two of the most popular choices for animal companionship, can have a profound impact on symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this blog, we will explore the numerous ways in which pets contribute to our well-being and help manage mental health symptoms, and we'll also consider the differences between cats and dogs in this regard.

What are the known mental health benefits of pet ownership?

Owning a pet has several known mental health benefits. Cats and dogs may support mental health in different ways, but both have been known to be beneficial for mental health. Key benefits of pet ownership include:

Stress Reduction

One of the most significant mental health benefits of pet ownership is stress reduction. Interacting with pets, whether it's cuddling with a cat or playing fetch with a dog, can lead to a decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone. A reduction in stress may also help individuals better manage their anxiety and depression symptoms. The presence of a pet offers a calming influence, making it easier to cope with life's ups and downs.

Companionship

Cats and dogs provide companionship, helping to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness is a common factor in depression and anxiety, and pets offer a constant and non-judgmental presence that can fill this emotional void. Many people with mental health symptoms find solace in the companionship of a furry friend who is always there to lend an ear or a paw.

Physical Activity and Routine

Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise, which can encourage their owners to engage in physical activity. Exercise has a direct impact on mental health, releasing endorphins that improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, pets often thrive on routine, which can provide structure and stability in the lives of individuals whose mental health symptoms are impacting their daily functioning.

Cats or Dogs, Which is Better for Your Mental Health?

The choice between a cat and a dog as a pet depends on an individual's personality, lifestyle, and specific mental health needs. Both can offer emotional support and companionship, but they differ in certain aspects that may make one more suitable than the other for particular challenges.

Benefits of Cats

Cats are known for their independence and low-maintenance nature. They are great for people who need a more hands-off pet. If you have anxiety and find comfort in a calm, low-energy environment, a cat might be a better choice. The gentle purring and affectionate nature of many cats can provide emotional support and stress relief. Cats are also a good option for individuals with a busy lifestyle, as they require less attention and exercise than dogs.

Benefits of Dogs

Dogs are loyal, affectionate, and highly social animals. They can be a perfect fit for individuals who struggle with depression, as the routine and responsibility of caring for a dog can provide a sense of purpose and motivation. The exercise and outdoor activities that dogs require can also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as physical activity promotes the release of mood-improving endorphins. Additionally, a dog’s companionship can be especially beneficial for those who need emotional support and someone to share their life with.

Takeaway

Whether you choose a cat or a dog, pet ownership can have a remarkable impact on your mental health. The unconditional love, companionship, and routine that pets provide can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety, reduce stress, and combat loneliness. Consider your lifestyle, personal preferences, and specific mental health needs when choosing the right pet for you. 

Remember that pets are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, but they can be valuable additions to your support system. If you're considering adopting a pet for its mental health benefits, consult with a licensed psychotherapist or mental health counselor to determine the best choice for your specific circumstances. In the end, the bond between a human and their furry friend can be a powerful force for healing and happiness.

​​How to Figure out if you Want Kids: Tips for Navigating Ambivalence About Parenthood

Deciding whether or not you want to raise a child is one of the most important decisions one ever has to make. For some, their answer is an obvious yes or no, but others struggle to reach a clear conclusion. It makes sense to feel lost trying to navigate this topic! Having children completely changes your life in ways you cannot fully anticipate or plan for until it actually happens. Feeling conflicted is an indication that you understand the gravity and stakes of the decision, and that is ultimately a good thing. 

Acknowledging and exploring these mixed emotions can facilitate a more informed and confident decision in the end, as difficult as it may be. This article aims to provide insight for how to evaluate whether you want a child and navigate any ambivalence about parenthood. At the end of the day, keep in mind that this is a personal decision with no one-size-fits-all approach or answer.

Practice ample self-reflection. 

There are many considerations to factor into this decision that deserve your attention. Self-reflection can take the form of journaling, silently thinking to yourself, talking through your thoughts, or some combination of these forms. 

Here are a few guiding questions for your self-reflection:

• Can I afford to raise a child?  

• What kind of support would I have from family, friends and the other parent?

• Will I be able to provide a healthy and loving home environment for a child?

• How would having a child affect my career?

• Would I want to have a child biologically, medically, or through adoption?

• Do I feel pressured to have kids and would I feel shame for not having kids?

• Am I in a place to put another person’s needs and wants before your own even when that means sacrificing time, money, and energy?

• Would I be okay with raising a child regardless of who they turn out to be? Am I ready to accept that my hypothetical child could be disabled or queer, for example, and could I love them anyway?

Accept that you may second-guess your decision even after making one. 

Even if you are 99% confident in your decision, that 1% can be stubborn. With any major decision, especially since you can never know what your life would look like if you had made a different decision, that little voice of doubt may emerge from time to time. 

The important thing to remember is that the only thing you have full control over is believing that you will be okay no matter what and that you can find happiness and fulfillment in life regardless of your decision. Accepting and internalizing that you will be okay regardless is no easy feat, but it can alleviate some of the pressure you are putting on yourself to get it right beyond a shadow of a doubt. Of course you hope to choose what is right for you and your life, but you cannot predict the future. Remember, you only have control over your reaction to what life throws at you. If you are grappling with intense doubt and your distress, consider working with a therapist to navigate these complex feelings.     

Communicate openly with your partner. 

If you have a partner in the mix, it is crucial to share your thoughts with them since this decision would likely affect them too. At the end of the day, whether or not you want children is a decision only you can make. A partner is important to involve in your thought process but you should be cautious of letting their feelings override your own. If you and your partner end up feeling differently about having children, you will need to figure out whether your relationship or your feelings about having kids is more important to you.   

Talk to trusted loved ones. 

Your loved ones know you best in this world and they can help you process your complicated feelings and reflect back to you their observations as a third party. It is even better if you can speak to other parents around your age who can tell you about their experience. Naturally, their version of parenthood is unique to them but the more insight you can gain into parenthood, the better to inform your decision making process.

The bottom line 

The process of deciding whether or not you want to be a parent is full of doubts, uncertainties, and emotions. Simply wanting to delve deeply into yourself to thoughtfully reach a decision is a fantastic start to the decision process. Give yourself the grace to be uncertain and to feel conflicting emotions. They are natural parts of the process and shaming yourself for them only serves to delay and complicate your self-reflection.While articles and books may offer general advice and guidance, there is no definitive or empirically proven way to arrive at a conclusion. If it feels too big and too overwhelming to navigate alone, consider reaching out to a therapist who can help you along the way.        

What to Do for Valentine's Day When You're Seeing Someone New

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection which is great for people in love but when you are in a newly established relationship or situationship, it is tricky to know how to navigate this day. You may want to acknowledge it or do something special but want to avoid overwhelming your partner. Do you buy a Valentine’s Day gift for a new partner? Plan a romantic evening out? Or ignore Valentine’s Day altogether? The answer will vary from relationship to relationship, and there is no “right” answer. This article will discuss general tips for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in a new relationship to get you started. 

Valentine’s Day Tips for New Relationships

Communicate expectations and desires clearly

Open communication is the ultimate key to success in relationships at any stage. Misaligned expectations, especially when they go unspoken, are a recipe for tension. You can start by expressing how you would like to celebrate, reflecting your openness to your partner’s thoughts, and that you would like to determine a plan that is comfortable for each person involved. If you find yourselves on opposing sides and cannot find a middle ground, be willing to find alternative solutions that work with your priorities. For example, if you want to celebrate with your partner because you love Valentine’s Day festivities, you could approach it by celebrating with friends instead. If you want to celebrate because you want to spend time with your partner, you could spend time with them on Valentine’s Day without indulging in the traditional activities.        

Keep it small but meaningful

Extravagant gestures and gifts are not the only way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and may put unnecessary pressure on the relationship. If everyone in the relationship does want something extravagant, that is great! However, it is more likely that you will want to keep it small. Perhaps instead of going out to a fancy dinner, you can cook dinner together at home. Instead of expensive gifts, you can exchange chocolates or flowers. When determining what kind of celebration would feel most valuable, think about what each person wants out of the celebration. Whether that means gift-giving, quality time together, or physical affection, honing in on what is important to you is crucial in personalizing your celebration.     

Celebrate with friends

If you love celebrating Valentine’s Day but your partner is uncomfortable or disinterested, think beyond celebrating romantic love and get together with friends. You can still spend quality time together, exchange cards, go out to a nice dinner, celebrate your bonds, and eat candy. The traditional festivities do not have to be exclusive to romance. 

TLDR

It is tempting to get swept up in the generic tropes of what Valentine’s Day “should” look like. The best plan will be the one that accommodates each person’s values and priorities. By maintaining open communication and considering each person’s preferences, you can plan a special day that's memorable and meaningful without overwhelming them. If it’s a newer relationship or situationship, focus on getting to know each other better and nurturing your connection in whatever way feels right for you.