Mental Health and Pets
Mental health
Defines a person’s condition about their phycological and/or emotional well-being, it affects how we act, think and feel. Mental health determines how well we deal with stress and how we make choices and is important at every stage of life. As we grow and mature people experience mental health problems, how a person thinks, and a person’s mood and behavior are affected. Biological factors, such as genes, life experiences like trauma or abuse, and family history with members who had/have mental health problems are some factors that contribute to mental health problems.
How pets help to recover from mental disorders/issues
There are various ways for us to deal and cope with mental health problems, adopting a pet is one of the most common actions for a person that has mental health problems. A pet helps increase ts owners’ physical activity by taking their pets for a walk and making it a fun way of getting or staying fit. They provide companionship because they give a sense of security to their owners. This can be especially valuable for people and help the owners reduce their anxiety. Pets can help in boosting confidence because they can be great listeners, they offer unconditional love and won’t criticize. Adding structure and significance to the owner’s daily life making them move and be reminded of their daily routines, they help feel more grounded and focused and gives the owner purpose and a sense of achievement. Pets may also have specific conditions, people with ADHD may benefit from the structures and routine the pet needs, and autistic people, can benefit from having a pet, providing them an unconditional kind of relationship to help them build social skills and boost their confidence. A pet can be a great source of comfort and motivation, they can help us to live mentally healthier lives.
- The effect of mental disorders on people
Mental health problems typically do not cause physical symptoms in and of themselves. Depression, however, can indirectly cause weight loss, fatigue, and loss of libido, among others. Eating disorders, a separate class of mental health disorders, can cause malnutrition, weight loss, amenorrhea in women, or electrolyte imbalances caused by self-induced vomiting. This makes eating disorders among the deadliest mental health disorders.
short-term, mental health problems can cause people to be alienated from their peers because of perceived unattractive personality traits or behaviors. They can also cause anger, fear, sadness, and feelings of helplessness if the person does not know or understand what is happening. In the long term, mental health disorders can drive a person to commit suicide. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, over 90 percent of suicides have depression or another mental disorder as a factor.
Dogs are the most popular pets globally. They are reported to be the most dominant home pets preferred by most households in the US, Brazil, and China just to name a few. The liking of this four-legged furry friend is also massive in the Philippines. Filipino families are mostly animal lovers and make an extra effort to own and raise one.
The most ideal breed to get is miniature and toy dogs for homes with limited areas. One of the most common breeds in the country is the affectionate, happy, outgoing house dog, Shih Tzu. Unlike what its name suggests, these “little lions”, are tamed, highly trainable, and are one of the sweetest lap dogs.
Another small dog breed ideal in limited spaces is the pug. They require lesser grooming and are very adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. Pugs have distinct features that they are most known for; wrinkled short faces and curled tails. Like Shih Tzu, they are lap dogs but with extra playfulness and stubbornness.
If you’re up for a little adventure with easygoing pals, these dog breeds would make the best companions for you- even in a tiny home.
The second most common pets are cats. These felines have their way of capturing the hearts of pet lovers. They are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs but require as much love and care. Cats are effortlessly charming and mischievous, too. They are hunters by nature, which would leave you not worrying about pests and rats at home.
Cats have their way to preoccupy themselves, like taking over your workspace or your personal space, softly pawing you for some affection – none that would make cat owners mad about because cats are adorable just like that. They are also extremely photogenic, no pictures with them on can probably go wrong.
Cats love having their personal space too. You will never have to worry about seeing sad eyes when you leave them. They can easily just turn their back on you and find the perfect spot at home to nap.
The most popular cat breeds in the country are Persians. Their adorable thick fur coating is so soft that pet owners would immediately fall in love. If you are looking for cats that shed less, you can opt for other breeds like our own local cats that are equally as smart and wise!
The second most common pets are cats. These felines have their way of capturing the hearts of pet lovers. They are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs but require as much love and care. Cats are effortlessly charming and mischievous, too. They are hunters by nature, which would leave you not worrying about pests and rats at home.
Cats have their way to preoccupy themselves, like taking over your workspace or your personal space, softly pawing you for some affection – none that would make cat owners mad about because cats are adorable just like that. They are also extremely photogenic, no pictures with them on can probably go wrong.
Cats love having their personal space too. You will never have to worry about seeing sad eyes when you leave them. They can easily just turn their back on you and find the perfect spot at home to nap.
The most popular cat breeds in the country are Persians. Their adorable thick fur coating is so soft that pet owners would immediately fall in love. If you are looking for cats that shed less, you can opt for other breeds like our own local cats that are equally as smart and wise!
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupial animals that also make cute pets at home. They have a squirrel-like gray fur with some black marking and a gliding membrane that helps them travel among trees. They are playful and social pets, hence, the need for a spacious spot for them to room around and climb on like they naturally do in the wild. These small creatures are delicate and require a particular diet. They also need constant bonding with owners and ideally with other pets of their kind.
Sugar Gliders are very communicative, too. They make noises to express their feelings like when they are upset, hungry, and frightened, just to name a few. Owning one or two will make an awesome experience for every pet lover out there.
Bunnies, like dogs, require a lot of attention and care. This cute and cuddly pet is best for households with extra space at home that they can turn into a bunny condo or shelter. Rabbits need a space of their own but not too secluded from others, especially from their owners. They are affectionate pets, but some may have the hardest time adapting to their environment and warming up to their owners. It will take time and patience until bunnies get rid of their aloofness toward others. But once they do, they can be the most hyper and active hopping pets you’d ever have at home.
These are just some of the best pets to have at home. All are equally adorable with their own set of needs. Having a pet in your own house and lot always makes a good idea but not when unprepared or less informed of the corresponding responsibilities. Pets like humans need a healthy diet, a space of their own, and physical maintenance. Aside from assessing if you can provide and give them time to make sure they are living their best life with you at home, make sure that the community you are living in is pet-friendly, like the Lessandra communities. Lessandra communities not only offer quality and affordable houses and lots but also maaliwalas neighborhoods where families can enjoy living even with their adorable buddies.
To care for your fur babies does not require extravagant homes. Remember that even with affordable homes, you can shower them with affection. What’s more important is to know your desired pets’ characteristics to effectively care for them.
Various pets are legalized in the country and these is some of them