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Animal therapy for depression
Who could deny that animals can have a positive impact on emotional well-being? With ongoing research in the field of alternative medicine, more and more people are beginning to recognize the cathartic effects that animals have on the well-being of humans, especially those suffering from depression. While some people recover from depression with medication alone, there are many others who would prefer to use a combination of alternative therapies to relieve the symptoms of depression. One of these treatments being investigated is “pet therapy.” What is this alternative and how could it help? Many scientists have spent endless hours studying...
Animal therapy for depression
Who could deny that animals can have a positive impact on emotional well-being? With ongoing research in the field of alternative medicine, more and more people are beginning to recognize the cathartic effects that animals have on the well-being of humans, especially those suffering from depression.
While some people recover from depression with medication alone, there are many others who would prefer to use a combination of alternative therapies to relieve the symptoms of depression. One of these treatments being investigated is “pet therapy.” What is this alternative and how could it help?
Many scientists have spent endless hours studying the different types of therapies available to treat depression as an illness. “Pet therapy” was completed as one of these therapies. Animals have long been recognized as a positive force in the healing process.
Dogs in particular have a calming and therapeutic effect on humans. They can help individuals deal with the emotional problems related to their illness. They also provide physical contact with another living being and help divert a person's attention from their pressing daily problems. Owning a dog comes with 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 prejudice or rejection. You don't have to speak a language to communicate with a four-legged friend. Give them a treat, tickle their tummy and they will love you without limits. Dogs are aware of illness and sadness and genuinely want to provide companionship and comfort. They display a wealth of intelligence and are both intuitive and compassionate. Any dog owner will contact me and agree with me when I say that it is a warm feeling when their dog can recognize their sadness and lick away their tears.
Pet therapy can facilitate many positive changes. An example of this is improved socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to promote communication and improve concentration. Developing a person's self-esteem and reducing their loneliness and anxiety are just a few potential benefits of individual animal therapy.
The connection between humans and animals is demonstrated daily in millions of homes around the world. It is also becoming an effective and common therapy method in many settings such as hospitals, schools and residential homes.
While it is difficult to measure and quantify the benefits of dog therapy with hard scientific facts, there is no question that the magical interaction between animals and humans is unmistakable. Tears can be dried. Scowls turn into smiles. The silence is broken and last but not least, loneliness and isolation can be expelled from a person just by touching and cuddling. Dogs offer their owner's absolute and unconditional love and a level of limitless patience that no human could ever give. A dog's love is unlimited. What better form of alternative therapy could there be?
The author reserves all rights to this work.
(c) Samantha Weaver 2006
Inspired by Samantha Weaver