Mental Health Awareness Week – And The Magic of Dogs
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is anxiety.
In a recent survey, the Mental Health Foundation found that 25% of adults experience anxiety that stops them from doing their daily tasks. The foundation said about the theme: “Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem “Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events.
We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.”
So we wanted to focus on dogs and their role in alleviating some of that anxiety, enabling us to cope better with whatever’s going on for us.
Boosting Mental Health and Social Connections
Healthy social bonds have become increasingly important for our well-being in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. Without them, we may feel lonely, depressed, and physically unwell. Fortunately, a dog, or cat, can be a lifeline for the socially isolated, introverts, children, and just about anyone. Whether it's a playful pup or a loyal canine companion, dogs can improve our mental health and foster social connections. Let’s explore the remarkable benefits of pet care and self-care, the wonders of daily walks, and our bonds.
1.The Power of Daily Walks
Walking our dogs keeps them healthy and happy. We often chat with other dog owners or passersby, and these casual chats provide much needed social contact, especially for those facing isolation. Whether exchanging a friendly hello or sharing training tips, these encounters can brighten our day and foster a sense of connection. Daily walks boost our physical and emotional wellbeing.
2. Unconditional Love and Equal Opportunities
Dogs love us unconditionally. They don't judge us based on race, gender, disability, or occupation. Their primary concerns revolve around two essential questions: "Are you alright?" and "Do you have snacks?" This unwavering acceptance is what makes dogs what they are. In a world filled with biases and prejudices, dogs’ pure love and companionship can be a source of solace and comfort. They remind us that, at the core, we all deserve love and kindness.
3. Personal Stories
How Dogs Transform Lives: At Worm Counts for Dogs, we understand the profound impact that dogs can have on our mental health. One example is when Kate went bang from exhaustion and emotional strain. Overwhelmed by her workload, she reached a breaking point. It was her dog, Nikita, who came to her rescue. Going for walks, looking after Nikita, and having her by her side brought a sense of calm and comfort, and slowly, the stress faded away. Nikita's support and unwavering loyalty made the road to recovery shorter and a little less bumpy.
4.The Bond between Owner and Pet
Our dogs have a transformative effect on our wellbeing. They bring about a sense of inner peace, calmness, and tranquillity. They have a unique ability to make us feel loved, and their affectionate nature positively impacts our emotional state. Even after they’ve left our side, they leave good feelings behind. Dogs are the best.