Interacting with pets can play a significant role in improving their owners’ mental and emotional health.
January is the month dedicated to raising awareness of mental health care. The White January campaign aims to raise awareness among the population of the importance of taking care of emotional well-being, promoting the prevention of psychological disorders.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), 12.7% of Brazilians have a medical diagnosis for depression and 26.8% for anxiety. The majority of these, 31.6%, are young, aged between 18 and 24.
Interacting with pets, such as dogs and cats, can play a significant role in improving people’s mental and emotional health, explains Petlove veterinarian Pedro Risolia.
“Pets are great companions for calming and relieving stress. When you interact with a dog, for example, oxytocin levels increase, bringing a feeling of well-being and reducing anxiety levels,” she says.
For psychiatrist Emily Gomes de Souza, of the Revitalis clinic, “pets bring joy into our lives, a sense of care and companionship. When a person comes home and sees his dog all happy to meet the owner, without judgment and without restrictions, the feeling is welcome.”
Pets stimulate empathy
A study conducted by Washington State University in the United States revealed that the presence of cats can help reduce stress, especially in sensitive people.
Research indicated that individuals more likely to connect emotionally were also more open to interactions with felines, as well as coping better with academic life.
Another study, this time conducted by the University of Basel, Switzerland, showed the effects of interacting with dogs on people’s mental health. The act of petting the dog had great therapeutic potential for people with anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, another advantage that living with pets brings is empathy, which helps in social interaction. “Pets have feelings and needs, which will be perceived throughout their interaction. This gives the owner a greater sense of respect and empathy for the people around them,” concludes Pedro Risolia.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
