Companion animals like dogs and cats share our lives and provide many benefits for us. There’s nothing better than being greeted at the door after a long, tough day by a dog’s wagging tail or a cat rubbing up against your ankles.
In addition to being our best friends, however, companion animals can also help us manage our mental health in periods of grief or trauma. Whether officially or unofficially, lots of people rely on emotional support animals to help them feel better so they can get through each day. Here are some of the ways animals can help us with grief and trauma.
Table of Contents
A Non-Judgmental Shoulder to Cry On
Humans can be judgmental, even when they don’t mean to. We often feel awkward around others’ grief, and it’s common to try problem-solving when someone brings up the things they’re dealing with. While this is well-meaning, it isn’t always what people need.
Sometimes, an animal’s non-judgmental and calming presence is just what people need when they are grieving or processing difficult emotions. An animal won’t ask questions or try to solve the problem. They will simply keep you company as you express your emotions.
Increase Oxytocin Levels
An animal’s physical presence provides emotional support, which can increase the body’s production of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin slows heart rate, reduces stress hormone production, and lowers blood pressure. This helps people feel calmer and better equipped to handle difficult situations. This “happiness chemical” can help you feel better when you’re processing grief and trauma.
Help Us Stay Present
As humans, we have a tendency to live in the past, especially when we’re dealing with loss and grief. If you find yourself dwelling on things that happened instead of what’s going on in your life now, look to your pet for inspiration.
Animals live in the moment, and they can help us do the same. If you find yourself dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, your pet can provide an example of what it’s like to accept the moment as it is.
Provide Perspective
When you’re struggling with loss or the effects of trauma, it can be hard to see all the good things in your life. Fortunately, our pets are pros at enjoying the little things, which can help us put our problems into perspective. Getting some perspective won’t solve all your problems, but it can help you feel more optimistic and prepared to take on the world.
Push Us to Be More Active
It can be difficult to exercise, get fresh air, and practice other self-care habits when you’re struggling with your mental health, but these habits are so important for helping you to feel better and improve your mood.
Pets can help you stay active, even when the last thing you want to do is go for a walk. Pets’ needs are important, even when you’re dealing with grief and trauma. Plus, your companion’s enthusiasm for exploring the neighborhood can give you a lift on a hard day.
Boost Mood & Prevent Isolation
It’s all too easy to find yourself in a downward spiral after a traumatic experience or a loss. It can be hard to regulate your mood and you might find yourself avoiding friends and family, causing you to self-isolate and feel even worse.
Having a companion animal at your side can make a huge difference in your mood. If your pet is in a good mood and showing you lots of affection, it’s difficult not to smile! Having a companion around can also decrease loneliness and isolation, which are harmful to your overall well-being.
Give Us Reasons to Keep Going
Trauma and grief can cause deep wounds that are difficult to heal. In the aftermath, people often struggle with issues like anxiety and depression. Some people even consider suicide to deal with their pain.
Companion animals give us a reason to get out of bed and keep going. They can distract us from our worst emotions with their own needs. After all, they need us to care for them, even when we’re dealing with our most intense feelings. For people who are on the edge of drastic action, having the love and dependency of an animal can be enough to make them pause and
Unconditional Love
The world can be a scary place, especially if you’ve experienced severe trauma or you’re coping with loss. One of the greatest gifts animals give us is unconditional love. That love can make a huge difference when you’re going through a rough patch and trying to navigate the world.
Pets help us accept ourselves, which is an important part of the healing process. Having a non-judgmental companion can make a huge difference in your ability to process trauma and put it behind you so you can lead the happy, fulfilling life you deserve.
