Could a Dog Help My Depression?
Other People Are Reading
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Recognized Benefits
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Experts from both the mental health and veterinary fields agree that owning a dog can help alleviate the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Clinical psychologist Alan D. Entin says that dog ownership can relieve the loneliness often associated with depression. It can also redirect the depressed person's attention toward caring for another life, and away from his own depressed mood. Animal behaviorist Emma Magnus agrees: "Pets are also being used more and more as part of a range of alternative therapies for depression," says Magnus. "The companionship, physical contact, interaction, responsibility and focus that a pet brings to daily life helps to take your mind off your illness."
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It's Not for Everyone
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Although owning a dog may relieve symptoms of those suffering from mild or moderate depression, dog ownership may be too serious a commitment for a person with severe depression. According to psychologist Teri Wright, "If you are already so depressed you can't take care of yourself, having an animal is going to make it worse." Magnus also believes dog ownership is not for all depression patients; she explains that individuals who are unable to leave the house and interact with others may not be able to cope with the stress of owning and caring for a dog.
Bottom Line
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While a dog can't cure the symptoms of depression, particularly not in someone whose condition is severe, owning a dog may be a lifesaver for some depressed individuals. If caring for a dog is too big a commitment, adopting a pet that is easier to care for can provide many of the same depression-alleviating benefits of dog ownership. Says Magnus, "There is no evidence about which type of pet brings the most relief. It could be a fish, rat, cat, dog or bird; the important thing is that you become involved and engaged in its life."
References
- Photo Credit hot-dog image by Deborah Durbin from Fotolia.com
