When I adopted Pablo two years ago, I was in a rough spot.
My anxiety and depression had a tight grip on me; I hardly left the house, I wasn't eating properly and I didn't speak to my friends. I was tallied up to three hospital visits, 2 ECGs and a heart ultrasound by that point. I wasn't in good shape, to say the least.
I had done some research on how to ease symptoms of panic and I came across a bunch on animal therapy. I went to the pet shop that week and adopted my 20-lb tuxedo main coon, Pablo.
Pablo gave me something to focus on; something to take care of. I no longer had all the hours in the day to ruminate about my anxiety. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I would play with him and brush him and hug him. When you are dealing with a mental health crisis, sometimes even the most simple of tasks are the hard to do. Though simple, I found that I not only could handle taking care of him but I really and truly wanted to.
And though I don't need studies to back up the feeling that adopting and caring for Pablo gave me, the evidence is real and isn't just anecdotal. In a meta-analysis of 17 academic papers, there is significant evidence that having a pet benefits people with varying mental health problems, including depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence showing that that having a pet "offers people a deep sense of ontological security—that is, the feeling of stability, continuity, and meaning in one's life." (Medical News Today)
If having a pet isn't an option for yourself or someone you love who battles with a mental illness, there are plenty of shelters to visit and volunteer at that would love to support you on your journey. Here is a comprehensive list on shelters across BC!
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