February 01st, 2023

6 Ways Animals Improve Your Mental Health

Photo by Krista Mangulsone from Unsplash

The bond animals and humans share is, undeniably, special. Our pets are often one of our best friends. There are a lot of reasons to love animals, but one major one is the benefits they provide for our mental health. Here are 6 ways animals help boost our mental health.

Animals are Non-Judgmental

One reason some animals, like horses or dogs, are used in the therapy setting is their ability to be non-judgemental. People struggling with anxiety, or depression, and other mental health conditions need someone who they can trust to be non-judgemental. Sometimes, it is hard to trust a human to not judge us. One of our flaws is our innate instinct to judge. It takes being mindful and intentional not to judge others. Animals, though, are the opposite. They instinctively don’t judge others. A horse is not going to judge someone’s trauma. Animals provide a sense of safety for humans to be themselves, and share their experiences openly.

Animals Encourage Us to Get Outside in Nature

Animals are a part of nature. They are, often, most at home there. Nature is greatly beneficial to mental health. Anytime I get outside, whether it’s on a hike, walking my dog, or sitting in my backyard, I automatically begin to feel calm. There is peace in nature. If you want to be around animals, you’ll be in nature more often than not, whether it’s walking the dog, visiting the zoo, or a farm. Just step outside in your own backyard! You’ll hear birds in the trees, maybe see a squirrel, or a rabbit, or a deer.

Animals Boost Self-Confidence

Animals are great listeners because of their lack of judgment. This makes them great confidants. Having someone to confide in and process emotions with, who doesn’t judge you, will help build your confidence. Also, taking care of an animal can boost confidence. When you have a pet, you are responsible for their wellbeing. It’s up to you to feed them, bathe them, take them to the vet, and on walks. Doing these tasks can make you feel capable and accomplished. It gives you a sense of confidence that you can take care of another creature. Confidence is vital to good mental health.

Animals Give Unconditional Love

A unique feature to animals is their ability to give unconditional love. We humans often have only a few people we have unconditional love for. It is hard for us not to put conditions on our love despite our best efforts. Animals, though, it comes naturally. If you have a dog or cat, it doesn’t matter who you are, if you treat them well, they will love you unconditionally. This kind of love is beautiful, and so beneficial for our mental health. Feeling unconditional love can ease anxiety. It can help you feel supported.

Ease Loneliness

If you live alone, animals can ease loneliness. They provide companionship, which can be the key to warding off depression. For older people, this can be especially beneficial as they cope with the mental health challenges that come with aging. I always say I will have a dog forever, and a big part of this is for companionship. Even if you live with someone else, that person might have a crazy work schedule. Having a pet would be a lifesaver in that situation so that you aren’t feeling lonely all the time.

Animals are Often Empathetic Creatures

Animals, besides providing unconditional love, are empathetic. They seem to sense what we are experiencing emotionally. My dog always knows when I’m upset, and will put her head in my lap or try to jump up and give me kisses. It’s remarkable to me that she understands my feelings, and that she has empathy to try and comfort me.

​Animals are amazing creatures. They have the potential to do great things for our mental health, if we are open to it. I will always love and be grateful to animals for how much they have improved my mental health.