Animal Therapy for Depression
Pet Therapy
- Who could dispute that animals can have a positive effect on
emotional well-being? With research being conducted into the field of
alternative medicine on an on-going basis, more and more people are
beginning to realize the cathartic effects that animals are having on
individuals well-being, especially so in those patients suffering with
depression.
While some people recover from depression using medications alone, there
are many others, who would prefer to use a combination of alternative
therapies to try to alleviate the symptoms of depression. One of these
treatments being studied is 'Pet Therapy', but what is this alternative
and how could it help?
Many scientists have spent endless hours looking into the different
types of therapy available for treating depression as an illness; 'Pet
Therapy' has been concluded as one of these therapies. Animals have long
been recognized as being a positive force in the healing process.
Dogs notably have a calming and therapeutic effect on people. They can
help individuals to cope with the emotional issues related to their
illness. They also offer physical contact with another living creature
and help to divert a person's attention from their pressing daily
problems. Owning a dog brings about a sense of responsibility. Dogs rely
on their owners for feeding, walking, attention and love. What better
excuse for a depressed person to get out of bed in the morning?
Dogs love almost everyone without any degree of prejudice or rejection.
You do not need to speak any type of language to communicate with a
four-legged friend. Give them a treat, tickle their tummy and they will
love you without bounds. Dogs are aware of illness and sadness and
genuinely want to provide companionship and comfort; they show an
abundance of intelligence and are both intuitive and compassionate. Any
dog owner will relate and agree with me when I say that it is a warm
feeling when their dog can detect their sorrow and lick their tears
away.
Pet Therapy can facilitate many positive changes one such example being
increased socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group
therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to
focus. Helping to develop a person's self-esteem and reducing their
loneliness and anxiety are just some potential benefits of
individual-animal therapy.
The bond between humans and animals is demonstrated every day in
millions of homes around the world. It is also becoming a powerful,
common mode of therapy in many facilities such as hospitals, schools and
residential homes.
Pet Therapy - While it is difficult to measure and quantify the benefits
of dog therapy with hard scientific fact, there is no question that the
magical interaction possible between animal and human is unmistakable.
Tears can be dried. Scowls transform into smiles. Silence is broken and
lastly but not least importantly loneliness and isolation can be ejected
from a person through mere touch and cuddles. Dogs offer their owner's
absolute and unconditional love and a level of boundless patience that
no human could ever possibly give. The love of a dog is unlimited, what
better form of alternative therapy could there be?