Dogs and Mental Health

We all fly over the cuckoo's nest sometimes

And I mean that just like that. We are human, we have emotions, that's what makes us different from Vulcans, electrical cords and # FFFF33. Even though Coldplay might beg to differ on the latter. Our feelings propel, deter, petrify and excel us. It's only a logical conclusion that our canine best friends will support us in the darkness and amplify our joy in every possible way.

Bea has shown me the meaning of unconditional. She has given me back a smile after abysmal days, but it's not just me or Madita, Bea has impacted many lives. Somehow by some inexplicable happenstance strangers on the internet, but also so many people she's met. She changed several cat persons minds. She made so many passerbys turn their heads and smile. And she's helped a woman with mental health problems in a very dark time of her life. The woman was part of a theater project I directed and she was deeply depressed and unable to find a way to see the good in her life anymore. One day I brought Bea along to a rehearsal and she immediately went to the woman, sat on her lap and stayed there the entire time of the rehearsal. She managed to put a smile on her dark, desolate hull of a face. And I know this doesn't mean Bea cured her depression, but she managed to give the woman an ever so brief moment to breathe and feel lighter. That can make the difference and is just one example how dogs and mental health can correlate.

Dogs are a breath of fresh air

Dogs can significantly improve mental health in numerous ways, providing emotional, psychological, and physical benefits. Here are ten ways dogs are breath of fresh air and positively impact mental well-being:

Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Interacting with dogs, like petting or playing, releases oxytocin (the "feel-good" hormone) and reduces cortisol levels, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety.

Boost Mood and Happiness

Dogs provide companionship and unconditional love, which can lift mood and help combat feelings of loneliness or depression.

Encourage Physical Activity

Daily walks and playtime keep both owner and dog active, which improves physical health and releases endorphins that enhance mental well-being.

Provide Structure and Routine

Caring for a dog creates a daily routine, which can provide structure and a sense of purpose, particularly for those struggling with depression or anxiety.

Enhance Social Interaction

Walking a dog often leads to social interactions with other dog owners, reducing feelings of isolation and providing opportunities to form new connections.

Offer Emotional Support and Comfort

Dogs sense when their owners are upset and often provide comfort through their presence, helping to soothe and calm.

Increase Mindfulness

Spending time with dogs, especially outdoors, encourages people to live in the moment and appreciate simple joys, promoting mindfulness and relaxation.

Improve Self-Esteem and Confidence

Successfully training and caring for a dog boosts self-esteem and gives a sense of accomplishment, which can be especially empowering.

Help with PTSD and Emotional Trauma

Dogs can be therapeutic for individuals with PTSD by providing companionship, reducing hypervigilance, and creating a safe and calming presence.

Alleviate Symptoms of Depression

The responsibility, companionship, and unconditional love provided by a dog can help reduce symptoms of depression, giving individuals a reason to get out of bed and engage with the world.

What did I miss?

Can you think of any other ways dogs are just too good to be true? Tell me in the comments!