It’s no secret that our pets can really help our mental health. They’re there to keep us company when we’re lonely, cheer us up when we’re sad, and sometimes even just give us a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
We provide our pets with everything they need, from the essentials like food, water, and shelter to the best dog toys and cat treats. But just how much do pets benefit our mental health in return?
Well, according to research from Lily’s Kitchen and 3Gem, reported by PinkNews , over nine out of 10 (91%) LGBTQ+ pet parents surveyed in the UK said that their pets were essential in contributing positively to their mental health.
Also according to the survey, 89% of LGBTQ+ pet parents turn to their pets for comfort, while two-thirds (67%) said that their pets had helped them through discrimination bias. 88% said that their pet never judges them, and 89% said that having a pet gave them a sense of purpose.
Over half (52%) revealed that they feel closer to their pets than their family, while over a third (37%) said their pets helped them make new friends or connections.
Max Hovey, a queer advocate and internet personality, said on Lily’s Kitchen’s miniseries Love and Pride – which he works on with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s Ginny Lemon – that he speaks to his cat more than his friends.
He said that “it’s important to have conversations around mental health, and explained, “With your home being your safe space and having such a constant unconditional love from your pet waiting for you to get home is something that can really get you through.”
Meanwhile, Lemon said, “I don’t want to say pets are the answer to mental health, but really that joy that they can bring into your life, it’s indescribable. You can go from absolute sorrow to bliss just by seeing a little furry baby.”
The science backs up Hovey, Lemon, and the survey respondents, too. There’s plenty of research showing that having pets and spending time with them can help improve our mental health, doing things like decreasing levels of cortisol – a hormone related to stress – lowering blood pressure, reducing loneliness, and simply making us feel happier.
If you’ve ever had your pet run up to you after a long day at work or spent running errands, had the best time taking your dog on a nice, long walk, or had your cat make slow blinks at you, you’ll know just how much pets can help us with our mental health.
For more information, you might like to take a look at these 32 ways having a pet can lower your stress levels . Meanwhile, here are 32 of the best emotional support animal breeds .
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