How A Dog In Your Life Can Help Ease Depression

Not many cities take more pride in their dogs than Denver. It is a place where pets are welcome and is often touted as a top spot to have a dog.

Though a dog can take a great deal of responsibility, they can also help you through times of depression and increase your quality of life.

Here are 5 ways dogs are helpful in easing depression:

Dogs provide opportunities for socialization.

Dogs provide opportunities for increased socialization outside the home. Whether you are at a dog park, a local brewery, or even on a dog walk pets can be an excuse to get out into the world when you don’t think you can do the next right thing for yourself.

They can ease loneliness and be a companion animal.

Read More: “Things To Do In Denver To Help Shift Your Mood”

You may not want to get out of bed for yourself, but a dog can give you that extra nudge to get outside and go somewhere you wouldn’t have gone without them, leading to health benefits and opportunities to be among other humans.

A dog can help increase momentum to see sunlight, people, and have a meal.

Gaining momentum plays a key role in helping to support you while you are feeling depressed and coping with depression or anxiety.

Your dog give you a reason to get outside.

Owning a dog inevitably means that your furry friend will need to take a bathroom break outside.

Even if it doesn’t feel like a big deal, that short amount of time outside can help you to get a new perspective; helping to shift your mood slightly with the change of environment.

When you don’t feel like you can move forward, a dog can give you a reason to lessen your stress level.

When you have a dog, you have a plethora of reasons to get outside, even if it is very short.

A small stint can increase your mental wellbeing. While you are outside with your dog, notice the temperature, any breeze, sounds, smells and what you see.

Taking a mindful break while your dog takes it’s break can help shift your mindset to what is going on outside of you.

Dogs make great snuggle buddies.

Dogs help you to enjoy safe physical touch that can ease your depression and nervous system.

They have a way of providing calm and comfort to their companions. When you feel uneasy, a dog can cuddle up right next to you and listen to whatever you need.

You may even have a chat with your dog, and by verbalizing your needs, you can better recognize them yourself.

A dog will not judge you when you feel depressed or have mental health challenges. They are there to support you in times of need.

Your dog give you an excuse to get moving.

Dogs and humans benefit from movement. When you aren’t able to motivate for movement yourself, dog can help.

Read More: “The Benefits Of Gentle Movement”

It can be a challenge to feel motivated to move your body, especially if you are feeling depressed or experiencing depression.

Your mental health may be low, and that is the perfect time to think about how you can incorporate movement into your day.

Movement doesn’t have to be strenuous to be helpful.

Helpful movement can be walking your dog outside, do yoga inside, take some time to stretch your body, wiggle your toes, and roll your shoulders.

Dogs can be supportive no matter what you choose.

Dogs can be a built in friend.

Depression can lead to isolation, and when you are feeling like you don’t want to burden another person, a dog can help you.

Until you are ready to socialize, a dog can listen to your needs and wants.

They don’t have to know everything you say to be helpful in solving problems. Sometimes, talking through your struggles can help you to identify patterns and what is coming up for you.

Supportive dogs can be in tune with what you need and read your cues. They may help you when you think no one else cares.

You aren’t alone, and people do care about you. Until you are ready to believe that a pet can help.

Pets, not just dogs, can provide comfort and support to you when you need help easing your depression.

A next step can be to seek out help for depression with mental health therapy so that you can navigate the tools that are already within you.

When you feel like you can’t move forward, it can be helpful to lean on your dog for some extra love.

The therapists at Denver Metro Counseling can help. You don’t have to suffer alone, and no problem is too big to share.

Starting at the beginning of your story isn’t necessary. Our depression therapists in Colorado can meet you wherever you may be on your journey.

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Written by: Randi Thackeray, MA
Clinically Reviewed and Edited by: Julie Reichenberger, MA, LPC, ACS, ACC