Today is the sixth annual Bell Let’s Talk Day, when everyone is encouraged to talk, text and tweet about mental health to create a stigma-free Canada. Thanks to the commitment of George Cope, Bell has committed $73,623,413.80 to Canadian mental health through Bell Let’s Talk to date.
People with pets know their companions make them feel good, and research published by the American Psychological Association supports this - showing that pets can serve as important sources of social and emotional support for “everyday people”, not just those going through significant health challenges.
“The present work presents considerable evidence that pets benefit the lives of their owners, both psychologically and physically, by serving as an important source of social support,” the researchers wrote.
Non-profit organization Dogs for Depression, formed in 2009 based on its founder’s personal experience overcoming depression, provides online information to prospective emotional support dog owners about the healing benefits a dog can offer sufferers of depression as well as practical advice about selecting and training a suitable dog.
Animal assisted therapy, dating back to the 1940's, uses trained animals to enhance an
individual's physical, emotional and social well-being, thus improving
self-esteem, reducing anxiety and facilitating healing.
Pets offer companionship, an unconditional love, and can reduce tension and improve mood. As #BellLetsTalk texts and tweets fly across social media today, remember to give your pet a snuggle of thanks for the mental health support they provide every day.
