It’s a well known fact that spending time with an animal is a huge antidepressant. Just petting a dog can significantly lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and give your brain more happy chemicals. I can personally attest to it. I’ve always been open about my struggles with depression, and there’s nothing like unconditional love from a furry friend for your mental health. People with pets live longer, and live happier- there’s a reason why “animal therapy” exists. Pets bring so much joy and love into your life, and have been proved at fighting depression- especially dogs. Check out this post by Therese Borchard at Every Day Health for ways that a dog could be the answer to your troubles:
-They offer unconditional, uncomplicated love and acceptance
-They alter your behavior. With a dog, you have to wake up, get out of bed, keep him fed. When you get home, you pet him instead of yelling about our frustrations. We calm down when we are with our dogs. We slow our breath, our speech, our minds.
-Dogs are distracting- when watching a dog, you’re entertained. You’re out of your own head for the moment, and away from your own thoughts.
-Dogs promote physical touch- and the healing power of touch is undisputed.