Anxiety and Depression

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, influenced by behaviors essential to the health and wellbeing of them both. This includes emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.

Anxiety and depression are a real serious topic and we all don't want to go through it alone. With a companion by your side, you would not feel alone. Even just a simple act of petting an animal relax us. And with it relaxing us it makes those unwanted feelings within us go away.

It is suggested in past research, therapy animals reduce stress and anxiety and increase positive mood in children, geriatric residents in nursing homes, hospital patients, and even college students (Haefelin et al.,2020). Also, the studies found a decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders in children and elders with the use of dogs. Thus also correlating to the improvements of mental and emotional function with a steady increase in emotional well-being to the patients (Ambrosi et al.,2019). Even though the results have been predominantly positive, it only shows short-term improvements (O'haire et a.,2015).

Hospitals

Therapy animals have also been researched in hospitals, and have shown positive impacts on patients. With many patients having depression, anxiety, and even stress in hospitals of all different scenarios. AAT can help those patients to relax a bit and not feel as lonely by adding in a little comfort of a furry friend (Gawlinski & Steers, 2007).

Schools

School can lead to students getting overwhelmed causing them to get anxiety and depression. Therapy animals have been used to help with that in school settings, like study breaks for students to take a break and play with dogs, and even to assist some students who deal with mental health.