The Healing Power of Pets: How Animals Boost our Mental Health

Pets do speak but only to those who know to listen .Pets play a vital role in offering comfort and companionship in an increasingly busy society where stress, anxiety, and mental health issues are on the rise.

My family got a little, scruffy dog named Brownie when I was a kid. Having been abandoned in a shelter, he was first frightened and scared. But as time went on, Brownie developed into a loyal and kind friend. I came to understand the true meaning of his significance to me during the calm times, such as when he would rest his head on my lap following an exhausting day or wag his tail so vigorously that it would rock my whole body. Brownie was a pal, a loyal dog and more importantly he was family . 

Pets may dramatically lower stress, anxiety, and depression, according to studies. I can attest to having personally gone through periods of extreme stress, especially exam season or after really trying days at school.Brownie  was always the one I found myself drawn to when I was feeling stressed. Nothing could settle me down more than to stroke his  fur, feel his small body against mine, and see the pleasure in his eyes. It seemed as though all of the day's concerns would vanish and be replaced with a calm and peaceful feeling.

Going more toward its biological side , physical contact with a pet, such petting a dog or cat, causes the production of oxytocin, which is commonly known as the "love hormone." It is well known that oxytocin has relaxing properties that promote a sense of connection and bonding. This hormone offers physiological benefits, such as decreasing blood pressure and cortisol levels—the hormone linked to stress—in addition to strengthening the emotional attachment between the pet and its owner. 

Speaking of love in the air, the closest bond I’ve found is with a building cat rescued when she was just a kitten and provided with a safe, comfortable and loving home. The story started sometime around lockdown, where like everyone the lonely blues were beginning to creep in for me, my friends were all locked away in their own houses and with the fear and sickness invading everyone companions were limited which is why I considered this kitten as a beautiful gift. Lemon, found as just a baby stole my heart at first sight, she was perfectly attuned to my emotions like most pets are. She calmed me down when I was anxious, cheered me up with silly antics and was a perfect partner in mischief for an 11 year old me.

Lemon was the first pet I ever got and was the first who made me truly understand how comforting the presence of any animal, dog, cat, parrot could be. She stuck by me through the loneliest days of my life and continues to be my rock through exam stress and rocky relationships. 

Therefore behind the science of pets providing peace, clarity and love there is true story of every animal providing its companionship to the stressed, anxious or perhaps only lonely person.

-Kyra Grewal and Tanay Chaskar