Animal Therapy for Depression
Website design By BotEap.comWho could argue that animals can have a positive effect on emotional well-being? With research being carried out in the field of alternative medicine on an ongoing basis, more and more people are beginning to realize the cathartic effects that animals have on people’s well-being, especially those suffering from depression. .
Website design By BotEap.comWhile some people recover from depression using medication alone, there are many others who would prefer to use a combination of alternative therapies to try to alleviate the symptoms of depression. One of these treatments under study is ‘Pet Therapy’, but what does this alternative consist of and how could it help?
Website design By BotEap.comMany scientists have spent endless hours researching the different types of therapy available to treat depression as a disease; ‘Pet Therapy’ has been concluded as one of these therapies. Animals have long been recognized as a positive force in the healing process.
Website design By BotEap.comDogs have a calming and therapeutic effect on people. They can help people cope with emotional problems related to their illness. They also offer physical contact with another living being and help divert a person’s attention from their pressing daily problems. Having a dog generates a sense of responsibility. Dogs depend on their owners for food, walks, attention, and love. What better excuse for a depressed person to get out of bed in the morning?
Website design By BotEap.comDogs love almost everyone without any degree of prejudice or rejection. You don’t need to speak any kind of language to communicate with a four-legged friend. Give them a treat, tickle their tummy and they will love you without limits. Dogs are aware of sickness and sadness and really want to provide companionship and comfort; they display an abundance of intelligence and are intuitive and compassionate. Any dog owner will relate and agree with me when I say that it is a warm feeling when your dog can detect her pain and lick her tears.
Website design By BotEap.comPet therapy can facilitate many positive changes, one example being increased socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase attention span. Helping build a person’s self-esteem and reducing their loneliness and anxiety are just some of the potential benefits of individual therapy with animals.
Website design By BotEap.comThe bond between humans and animals is demonstrated every day in millions of homes around the world. It is also becoming a powerful and common mode of therapy in many facilities such as hospitals, schools, and residences.
Website design By BotEap.comWhile it is difficult to measure and quantify the benefits of canine therapy with solid scientific facts, there is no doubt that the magical interaction possible between animal and human is unmistakable. Tears can dry. The frowns turn into smiles. Silence is broken, and last but not least, loneliness and isolation can be driven out of a person through mother’s touch and hugs. Dogs offer the absolute and unconditional love of their owner and a limitless level of patience that no human being could provide. A dog’s love is limitless, what better form of alternative therapy could there be?
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Website design By BotEap.com(c) Samantha Weaver 2006