THE PET EFFECT
The first series on the Pet effect is on mental health management. What is mental health? It’s a person’s condition with regard to their psychological, social and emotional well- being. It affects how we think, act and feel, how we relate to others, handle stress and even makes choices. Mental issues have been the silent epidemic for a while now as it goes undiagnosed and unmanaged. In addition, there are very few mental health centers rolled out throughout the country which becomes frustrating for the family of the patient. Now look, the Pet effect doesn’t replace medical practitioners in the mental health sector, no, it’s more a compliment, a coping mechanism. Pets are believed to help alleviate stress, fear, anxiety, depression, and feeling of loneliness and social isolation.
Interactions with pets help those with mental issues focus more on their environment in a non-threatening way. This is because pets are loyal, nonjudgmental and full of unconditional love and real joy you cannot resist. They make great companions. Having been evolved to attune to human emotions and behaviors, a loyal dog would look into your eyes to gauge your emotional state and bless you with a swipe of tongue, when your dog catches you crying he gives you puppy eyes full of love for you to confide in. If you ever found yourself crying and your dog walked up to you, cleaned up your messed-up face and gave you their attention, you’re not alone. It gives a distraction from distressing thoughts be it suicidal or even hallucinations making a person more focused on building a relationship with these candid animals.
Our pets make us feel needed. Our pets just like children depend on us for everything food, shelter, play, and medical care. The act of taking care of our pets give us a sense of purpose and meaning. It comes as no surprise that almost 80% of pet owners consider their pet to be a member of the family. Pets add routine and structure to our daily lives. Animals especially dogs need a consistent routine so they can feel balanced and calm, a regular feeding, grooming and even exercises. Fun fact, did you know dogs can sense time? They become restless when their schedule is disrupted. I feel like this is a good thing for us too, we maintain our routine as we try to keep up with our pet’s routine. So even when our moods are altered, we feel depressed and anxious, one look at your pet brings you back to duty calls, so you get out of bed and attend to your loving companion.
Companion animals act as social stimulants for their owners. Their role as a catalyst in several dimensions of human social relationships in neighborhood settings, for instance, helping you start and maintain new friendships and social interactions. Well, science says you are more likely to get a date if you own a dog. According to the New York times “People with dogs are often perceived to be more approachable, happier and more empathetic”. Dr. Helen Fisher told the Times,” Having a dog really says something about you… It says you can care for a creature, that you can follow a schedule and get home to feed it, that you can walk it, groom it and love it and spend time with it”.
In a few words having a pet term you a committed person even to your potential partner.
Owning a pet forces a person to go on walks, pet stores and pet groomers like us, Pets Paradise, where one is more likely to be approached by other people and probably strike a conversation concerning the pet. Well, we are here for you, to help you build your relationships by facilitating conversations while you visit us for grooming, dog daycare or even boarding. We serve with our hearts to you, your furry companion and to the community to help manage this menace called depression.
