Pets Ease Anxiety in Teens
Anxiety and depression rates for children are on the rise, and many parents are struggling to find a solution for their kids’ pain. The growing rate of anxiety-ridden teens is troubling, and those suffering from anxiety and depression have a hard time finding relief.
Time Magazine states, “According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than three million adolescents aged 12-17 reported at least one major depressive episode.” This kind of darkness is heavy, especially for our teenagers. The disorders can reveal themselves in different ways. Teens may feel sad, fatigued, or unmotivated.
Normal adolescence is stressful, but those who suffer from anxiety and depression have difficulty understanding that these discouraging feelings can and will pass. When depressive thoughts get in the way of everyday life, relief is essential, but sometimes traditional treatment isn’t long-lasting.
The solution may not be a simple answer, but many signs are pointing to getting a pet. Our pets provide us with constant companionship, purpose, and activity, all are components of a healthier life. In addition, new research has emerged suggesting that pets can ease the pain of anxiety. According to Time, “Scientists are now digging up evidence that animals can also help improve mental health, even for people with challenging disorders. Though the studies are small, the benefits are impressive enough that clinical settings are opening their doors to animal-assisted interventions–pet therapy, in other words–used alongside conventional medicine.”
Pet therapy is used in children’s hospitals, classrooms, libraries, and even after tragedies. It makes sense that pets could ease the mental pain of our teenagers. There are various kinds of talk therapy options, behavior therapy programs, and short term medications suggested as solutions to anxiety and depression. Thanks to recent studies, a more organic treatment than medication could be an answer to sufferers.
Our anxiety-ridden teens may actually benefit from getting a dog or cat. A study from US News and World Report suggests, “Youth who care for an animal have stronger social relationships. What’s more, a study from Tufts University reported that caring for a pet can boost teenagers’ connections to their communities.”
The companionship offered by a pet is not conditional; it is constant. Having a pet is associated with better health, and it makes sense. Pets bring the best out of us. Much like volunteer work, giving back to the community, or caring for another person, adding a pet to the family takes the caregiver outside of themselves giving them a renewed sense of purpose. They have joined a community of other pet owners, and pets have been proven to enhance our quality of life.
A growing number of America’s teens feel the sting of anxiety and depression, and it is up to us to help them see the light. It turns out we could have a little assistance doing that from our furry friends.