They're the latest buzzwords in
mental health—making headlines
for both good and bad reasons.
Despite what you may have heard,
emotional support animals, or
ESAs, are a legitimate therapy aid
for those struggling with mental
health problems. Therapists have
begun to sit up and take notice of
the hugely positive effects that
animals can have on us. Many researchers
are now focusing on
studying these effects and the incredible
benefits that we can experience
with a pet by our side.
Have you ever noticed how your
day brightens up when you spend
time hanging out with animals?
Whether it's your best friend's
Frenchie, or your very own Maine
Coone Kitty, it's pretty obvious to
most of us that time spent with
animals has a positive impact on
by Emily Kline
our well-being. This is exactly the
principle that health professionals
and researchers are now exploring,
and building upon in order to help
patients improve their mental
health. So what exactly is it about
animals that gives them such a
strong power over our mental
state? In this article, I explain
some of the key reasons behind
why emotional support animals
can make you feel so much better.
The Impact of Animals:
How They Affect Our
Brains
Let's take a deeper look into what
happens when we interact with
animals. Our brains are full of millions
of chemicals that shape our
thoughts, emotions and the way
that we experience our life. When
we experience mental health problems
these chemicals can get all
out of kilter, which, along with
other factors, can cause the symptoms
that we feel. Interacting with
animals can help to heighten certain
chemicals in the brain, which
can help to alleviate these symptoms.
Animals have powerful effects
on us because of the particular
chemicals that they help to elevate.
They Stimulate Our
Brains to Produce The
'Love' Chemical
Researchers have been exploring
the idea that a particular chemical
released in the brain is responsible
for the intense human animal-bond
that can develop between owners
and their pets. When interacting
with animals, our brain releases
oxytocin, which is also known as
the 'love' or bonding chemical.
This causes us to feel connected
and secure, an important effect for
those struggling with mental illness,
which is often accompanied
by feelings of isolation and loneliness.
12—iPain Living Magazine