A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found that spending time with your pets can actually be beneficial for your mental health. The new research shows that people who have a pet, such as a dog, cat, or other animal, are less likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, than people who don’t have a pet.
The study involved over 7,000 participants and tracked their mental health over a two year period. The researchers found that people with a pet had a significantly lower risk of developing mental health issues than those without a pet. This was especially true for those with a dog. Those with a dog had a 12% lower risk of developing depression over the two year period compared to those without a dog.
The study also found that people who spent more time with their pets had a higher level of mental wellbeing than those who spent less time with their pets. This suggests that spending time with your pet can help to reduce your risk of developing mental health issues.
The researchers believe that there may be multiple factors at play in the relationship between pet ownership and mental health. For example, it is possible that having a pet provides social support, which can be beneficial for mental health. It is also possible that having a pet provides a sense of purpose and can lead to increased physical activity, which can be beneficial for mental health.
Overall, the study suggests that having a pet can be beneficial for your mental health. If you don’t already have a pet, consider adopting one if you can. This could be a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. It is also important to spend time with your pet, as this is likely to be beneficial for your mental health.
