Animal Companionship

How Pets Help People Heal

Having a pet in the home has several benefits that help people heal from trauma, including:

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Interacting with animals can lower cortisol levels and increase the production of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Simply petting an animal can have a calming effect, and for those with PTSD, animals can help create a safe environment that reduces fear and hyperarousal, promoting a sense of security crucial for recovery.

• Reduced Loneliness and Isolation: The companionship from pets can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially for those living alone. Animals can also act as social facilitators, making it easier for people to connect with others.

• Improved Moods and Mental Health Conditions: People with pets report lower levels of depression and anxiety. and a wide variety of studies have shown animal companionship to lessen several symptoms of PTSD.

• Structure and Routine: Caring for a pet provides a sense of routine and responsibility, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with disorganization or lack of motivation. Since pets thrive on consistency, their needs can provide much-needed structure to help survivors reconnect with daily life and create a sense of normalcy when their world feels chaotic.

• Grounding and Mindfulness: Engaging with animals encourages individuals to stay grounded in the present moment, preventing them from becoming lost in traumatic memories or intrusive thoughts. Sensory experiences like petting an animal, listening to their purring, or observing their movements can serve as anchors to the present, offering a brief escape from negative thought patterns.

• Emotional Support and Unconditional Love: Pets offer non-judgmental acceptance and unwavering affection, acting as a crucial source of emotional support during difficult times. This emotional bond can as strong as human relationships, and such love and acceptance provide a lifeline for survivors who may struggle with feelings of isolation and mistrust.

• Enhanced Self-Esteem and Purpose: The responsibility of caring for another living creature can be grounding for those struggling with PTSD, depression, or a general loss of direction after trauma. This can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose and meaning in life, as helping another living being can be incredibly fulfilling.

• Increased Physical Activity: Although this applies more for walking dogs, having a pet encourages regular physical activity through playtime and other activities required for their care, like grooming and cleaning. This physical activity, in turn, contributes to better mental health by reducing stress and increasing endorphins.