World Mental Health Day is October 10th each year. This year’s theme—Community: Supporting Mental Wellbeing Together—is relevant to any pet family, who is keenly aware of the comfort and strength in the bonds we share with our animal companions.
In today’s blogpost, I will talk about the community that exists between humans and their animals, and the role veterinary professionals play in supporting mental health of their clients and colleagues.
The Emotional Support of Pets
I don’t have to tell you that your pet makes you feel better. Seeing your favorite fur person dancing at the door when you come home or racing up the stairs to jump into bed at bedtime makes us feel needed and wanted.
Research confirms these feelings. Studies show that pets serve as emotional substitutes for human companionship. Think back to the COVID 19 pandemic and how important our pets were to us. Pets increase our social networks through the people we meet at the dog park, the veterinarian’s office or the pet store.
Even a canary can be therapeutic. In one study, nursing home residents were assigned to care for a canary or a plant. After three months, the canary caretakers had better psychological scores than the plant people.
And let’s not forget the simple joy that internet cat videos can bring us all!
Pets Improve Physical Health
The physical health benefits of pet ownership are well known. Dogs and cats lower blood pressure, and dog walking increases physical activity. But there is a surprising new benefit from an unexpected source: fish!
Alzheimer’s patients often suffer from inadequate nutritional intake but, when fish tanks were installed in their residences, these patients gained more weight than those patients whose residence had a photograph of an ocean scene installed. This improvement in nutritional intake demonstrates yet another way animals can positively impact our health.
Caregivers Need Care Too!
With a Level 1 Trauma Center that sees 20,000+ patient visits a year, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center cares for some of the sickest animal patients in New York City. When those pets are discharged from the hospital, their families take over providing care. Caring for a very ill pet can result in “caregiver burden”—the physical, emotional, and financial strain experienced by individuals providing care, often leading to significant stress and exhaustion. AMC understands this burden and has resources to help, including a caregiver support group and educational materials to help you better understand your pet’s diagnosis and provide optimal care.
Veterinarians and Mental Health
Being a veterinarian is a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health. While we work with animals who can support mental health, we are caregivers as well and, on bad days, we can suffer from caregiver burden ourselves. Organizations like the American Veterinary Medical Association recognize veterinary mental health challenges and provide support via My Veterinary Life. AMC also addresses this issue by providing training for employees to recognize team members at risk for mental health problems.
You are Not Alone: Mental Health and Well-Being Resources
No one should face a mental health crisis alone. Here are some resources to help.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988
Free, 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, prevention assistance, and crisis resources for you or loved ones.
The LGBT National Help Center and Hotline
You can visit the website to find the hotline number that best fits your need. Free support for individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+. Mon-Fri, 4 PM to midnight and Saturday, noon to 5 PM.
National Domestic Violence Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE
Free, 24/7 support for survivors of domestic violence
Psychology Today & ZocDoc
Helpful websites to find mental health providers who take your insurance.
Not One More Vet (NOMV)
Organization dedicated to transforming mental wellness within the veterinary profession through education, resources, and support.