Animals contribute to positive mental health
Humans have used animals as companions for tens of thousands of years, in fact some estimates say as far back as 30,000 years ago we were keeping domesticated dogs as pets.
This was the beginning of a long relationship spawned between us as more than just food or tools. They were our friends, and our family.
Today they play an integral role in many aspects of our life, they help teach children responsibility, they give love to those who love them, and its a love that has no restrictions. So long as you don't mistreat them and raise them right a pet will do nothing but bring positives into your life.
Now I dunno about you but I always feel a little burst of joy when I see a cute animal, and if you're me even the ugly ones are cute (you should see some of the ugly ass things that have come through our shelter).
I also feel far less alone when I have my dog or cat around, just being nearby for a cuddle or a kiss. My rabbit used to come up and lick me when I cried, I could talk to them with no judgment and cry to them and they genuinely made me feel better. But as an animal person maybe that's just me?
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But is there science???
Many studies have been conducted on the relationships between companion animals/pets and their human handlers. A study published in the "Journal of positive psychology" this year shows evidence that pets and companion animals can be both useful in preventing mental health issues long term and in the short term, something that could save the medical system billions and prevent the over-prescription of unnecessary drugs.
Substantial sums of money are invested annually in preventative medicine and therapeutic treatment for people with a wide range of physical and psychological health problems, sometimes to no avail. There is now mounting evidence to suggest that companion animals, such as dogs and cats, can enhance the health of their human owners and may thus contribute significantly to the health expenditure of our country.
(Maike Luhmann and Anna Kalitzki- The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13, 2, (200), (2018).)
Whilst the evidence for a casual association between human well-being and companion animals is not sufficient to draw full conclusions the information is supportive of most previously held beliefs that pets are good for us.
An article written by Dr. Lee from "Harvard health publishing, Harvard medical school" notes that people who live alone may be at increased benefit by having a pet. Let's be honest , if you could choose to come home to a cold empty house or a happy smiling doggo what would you prefer?
Aside from pets, being in nature in general has also been shown to improve mental health, get out among the wildlife, see the birds, smell the trees. Enjoy the things the world has to offer before you or they are gone. I don't know if animals or nature make us happier, or if they just help us to live in the moment. Either way Id rather spend my time with cute animals than without, they might not cure the depression or anxiety but they definitely bring joy and can help to keep you calm.
Unless you're some sort of monster.
My cat is not a hugger