There are so many benefits to owning a pet and one reason is that people with pets in the home have fewer symptoms of depression. We spoke to Nicoleen Coetzee, senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Pretoria, to get an idea on how pets can have an impact on people’s mental health.
How pets help us
“On a physical level, when you stroke a dog, research has shown that it triggers the release of serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. These are known as your happy chemicals. An increased release of these neurochemicals causes an increase in emotional, subjective wellbeing. Plainly said, you feel happier when they are released. The release of these neurochemicals also counters the physiological imbalances associated when experiencing stress, depression or a fast heart rate.
“The amazing thing is that when you stroke a dog, these chemicals are immediately released. And at the same time your heart rate as well as your breathing rate lowers. This helps you to feel good,” explains Nicoleen.
Dogs don’t only help people with depression. There are various therapy dogs who help people diagnosed with other mental health issues as well. “If you look at the USA for example, anyone with any form of mental health issues can apply for a service animal. These include people with several anxiety disorders – post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, victims of trauma, people with neurodevelopmental disorders (of which autism is an example) and so forth. “The reason why dogs are good companions/therapy animals is that, when interacting with them, they impact our brain chemistry in a positive way,” explains Nicoleen.
She adds that interactions with dogs lead to an increase in dopamine (low dopamine is often an indicator of the presence of depression) and serotonin (our feel-good hormone). “We also experience increases in oxytocin (our social bonding hormone). Being with dogs lowers our blood pressure and heart rate. What is even more amazing is that dogs possess the ability to love and accept us unconditionally, which are actually characteristics of a good therapist.”
Depressing situation
By now we know that depression affects more and more people every day. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic have been major contributors to mental health issues such as depression over the past two years. It is important that pet owners or people close to pet owners who have depression get professional help for their own and their pet’s sake.
“Someone with clinical depression (major depressive disorder) which is a severe form of depression, will tend to not even take care of themselves. Severely depressed individuals will therefore need assistance from others in terms of self-care and care for their pets.
“If a person feels they cannot take care of themselves or their pets but has no one to turn to, I recommend that they contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). I also want to urge individuals who think they may have depression to seek medical attention. Depression is what I call a psychophysiological disorder because it also affects the neural pathways of the brain and other biochemical processes,” advises Nicoleen.
She adds that the only way to restore these are through the use of antidepressants. “In less severe cases individuals experience relief with regards to depression after three months of treatment. So, what I am trying to say is that antidepressants make it possible for people to return to normalcy as soon as possible. Some might disagree with my viewpoint, but I have seen it numerous times in practice, and antidepressants do make a significant impact. People even tend to respond better to therapy with the assistance of antidepressants.”
Supporting dogs
Dog owners know that dogs are good listeners and non-judgmental. Nicoleen says that some recent research findings showed that, not only do our dogs know when we are not feeling well, but they will actually alter their behaviour in an effort to make us feel better.
“Because of these findings I would love to see more policies in place in South Africa regarding companion animals. Little is done in our country to ensure the mental and physical health of our companions. Companion animals, just like human healthcare practitioners, can also experience issues such as depression or burnout.
“South Africa is so far behind on issues of animal welfare. We are in dire need of proper legislation when it comes to taking care of our animals. I also feel that animal abusers are getting off lightly and there should be harsher action taken against animal neglect and abuse,” says Nicoleen.
Conclusion
If you think that a loved one (or yourself) has symptoms of a mental health issue, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible, especially if that person is a pet owner – for their sake and the pet’s.
