The latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Healthy Minds Monthly Poll delivers a crystal-clear message: our furry friends aren’t just part of the family; they’re also amazing for our mental health.
In the survey, we found that half of the respondents (50%) proudly had dogs, 35% were cat aficionados, and around a third (31%) didn’t have any pets at home. About 3% mentioned having some unique pets, like fish, birds, turtles, and more.
But here’s the real scoop – among those with pets, a whopping 86% said their furry buddies had a mostly positive impact on their mental well-being. It didn’t matter if you were a dog lover (87%) or a cat person (86%), both groups felt the love equally. Now, if you had more exotic pets, like fish and turtles, well, 62% of you also agreed, but maybe you’re just keeping your inner Zen master a secret!
And here’s the heartwarming part – a massive 88% of pet owners said they consider their pets part of their family. Who can blame them? We’ve all experienced that heart-melting moment when your pet looks at you with those soulful eyes.
The American Psychiatric Association conducted the poll from Feb. 10-12, 2023, with 2,200 amazing adults, and our margin of error is just plus or minus two percentage points – so you can trust these numbers!
According to APA President Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D., “People recognize that there is something special about bonds between humans and their pets.” And she’s right! Our furry friends aren’t just non-judgmental companions; they’re also our secret weapons against stress and anxiety.
Those who felt the positive vibes from their pets mentioned several key benefits, including:
- Stress and anxiety reduction (69%).
- Unconditional love and support (69%).
- Companionship (69%).
- A calming presence (66%).
- True friendship (63%).
Now, here’s a twist – cat owners were more likely to praise their pets for offering companionship, a calming presence, and stress relief. Dog owners, on the other hand, were twice as likely to say their pets encouraged them to be more active. Guess those daily walks pay off!
When we asked about the worries that come with pet ownership, pet parents were most concerned about their pets aging or passing away (71%) and their pets’ health conditions (66%). Over half also fretted about travel arrangements (56%) and the cost of healthcare (58%).
For those who don’t have pets, 29% said they couldn’t afford one, and 22% mentioned not having enough time to care for a pet. About 11% were mourning a beloved pet they’d lost.
Our CEO and Medical Director, Saul Levin, M.D., M.P.A., summed it up beautifully, “The benefits of pet ownership to many Americans seem to outweigh the stressors.” And if having a pet isn’t in the cards for your family right now, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer with animals, which can also bring some positivity into your life.
So, let’s celebrate our furry pals this month! Share your pet’s adorable pics and stories on social media with the hashtag #Paws4MentalHealth. Let’s spread the love and happiness our pets bring to our lives!
And hey, if you want to learn more about the APA, visit our website at www.psychiatry.org. We’re all about making sure everyone has access to top-notch mental health.
