Pets Help People with Mental Health Woes

Researchers surveyed more than 50 adults with long-term mental health conditions about the role pets play in their social network and found that 60% of respondents placed pets in the central and most important circle above family, friends, and hobbies. Lead study author Dr. Helen Brooks writes, “The people we spoke to through the course of this study felt their pet played a range of positive roles, such as helping them to manage stigma associated with their mental health by providing acceptance without judgment.” The findings suggest pets should be considered a main source of support in the management of long-term mental health problems. BMC Psychiatry, December 2016