Can Animals Help Us Cope with Depression

As anyone who is a pet owner can tell you their animals help them in many ways. They offer unending doses of companionship, unconditional love and a sense of connection to the natural world.

It has been proven by research and observation that they can they help us deal with depression. The concept of “co-regulation” between mammals has been known for some time and has been explored and validated using brain scans. We, and all mammals, share a similar brain part called the limbic system. The limbic system lets us connect to and feel other people’s feelings and emotional states. We can also have this “limbic resonance” with other mammals. Considering the long history humans have with being in close contact with especially cats and dogs it is not surprising that they read our emotional states and by that attunement they help us regulate them.

I think we have all had the experience of a cat or dog sensing our sadness or upset and coming up to us with a comforting nudge or lick that helps us feel better. Certainly, and hopefully, we have all had that comforting moment with family members and others but there is something especially comforting having it come from these beings that know and feel us.

Not only when we are depressed do we receive comfort but when we are celebrating our pets join in. They bark, jump and run around in an excited manor to elevate our mood of exultation and joy. A joy shared is a joy magnified and they certainly do that for us and with us.

So, in some way depression is about a lack of connection and we only need to look so far as our tactile experience with petting our cats or dogs. Scientists have wired up volunteers and measured their reactions to petting their animals and found out that they calm down, their blood pressure lowers, and their breathing slows. They reduce stress, anxiety and depression in multiple studies.

Another factor that contributes to their ability to comfort us is that our pets do not judge us. They are unconditional in their love and acceptance of us. That relieves us of a fear of being alone, judged and unloved by their very presence. They pick up on our distress and offer comfort by their presence and touch. It is said that dogs observe our faces keenly to read our emotions. They watch silently and when they see our sad, upset feelings they move in with a lick, nudge or cuddle to help us feel better.

 Dogs give us someone else to focus on and take care of. Even if you are having a difficult time getting out of bed knowing your pet needs to be cared for can be an impetus to getting up. After feeding them, taking them our for a walk is a great way to get fresh air, exercise that benefits both owner and pet alike .

Observing our pets taking such joy in simple things like eating, resting in the sun and exercising is great modeling for us to connect and be grateful and aware of the simple things in life that bring us a sense of wellbeing. It does not take long to feel a bit better seeing our loved furry ones relished their daily routines and love being with us. It is not a cure for depression but having pets that accept and love us without condition and give us a reason to get up, take walks is a healthy way to engage and feel better.

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