Mental health covers a range of conditions. The most common are anxiety and depression; others, such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are less common. There are many approaches to prevention and treatment, with pets just one of these.
How common is poor mental health?
According to the mental health charity MIND one in four people in England will suffer from some kind of mental health problem. In any given week, one in six people will suffer from a mental health problem.
Awareness of mental health
It is important to be aware of mental health and the impact mental health problems can have both at home and in the workplace. Mental health training courses from providers such as www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/ can help a lot, as can reading about it in books and on websites and blogs.
How can pets help with mental health?
Many people have reported that having a pet has benefitted their mental health. Dogs, in particular, increase your physical activity because they need to be taken out for walks. Physical activity is known to benefit your mental health. Also, a pet provides companionship. They are always there when you need them and can give you a sense of companionship and purpose.
As pets do not judge and offer unconditional love, they boost confidence and can help reduce anxiety. If you are feeling isolated, they can help you meet other people on walks, in pet shops, or in training classes. Finally, pets are useful for adding structure to your day. Whatever the animal, they will need some sort of care. This could be cleaning them out, providing fresh water, feeding them, or playing with them.
Which is the best pet to get?
This very much depends on where you live and on your lifestyle. Some dogs, for example, require a lot of outdoor space and need a lot of exercise. These will suit people who have an outdoor lifestyle. Pets are also not cheap to buy or care for; for example, you will need to be able to pay for food and vet bills.