The first month of the year is an invitation for awareness about mental health care. The January White campaign seeks to sensitize the population to the importance of emotional well-being, encouraging the prevention of psychological disorders to create a more welcoming and humane environment regarding mental health issues.
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The movement is relevant as Brazil has high rates of anxiety and depression disorders. The country leads in the prevalence of mental illnesses, with alarming statistics according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a recent study released in 2023, 26.8% of Brazilians received a medical diagnosis of anxiety, with the age group between 18 and 24 years showing an even more concerning rate of 31.6% affected young population. Additionally, 12.7% of Brazilians reported receiving a medical diagnosis of depression.
In this context, interaction with pets, such as dogs and cats, can play a significant role in improving the mental and emotional health of people, especially among the youth who lead the rankings of psychological disorders in Brazil. Stress, anxiety, and depression deeply affect the quality of life, and it is in this scenario that pets have proven to be valuable allies.
According to Petlove veterinarian Pedro Risolia, “pets are great companions to calm and relieve stress. Interacting with a dog, for example, increases oxytocin levels, bringing a sense of well-being and reducing anxiety levels.”
In the opinion of psychiatrist Emily Gomes de Souza from the Revitalis clinic, “pets bring joy to our lives, a sense of care, and companionship. When a person comes home and sees their dog so happy to see the owner, without judgment and without restrictions, the feeling is one of warmth.”
Pets and Stress Reduction:
A study conducted by Washington State University, highlighted by the Petlove blog, revealed that the presence of cats can contribute to stress reduction, especially in sensitive individuals. The research, which focused on the interaction between cats and university students, resulted in mental benefits, indicating that individuals more prone to emotional connection were also more open to interactions with felines and handled academic life better.
Researchers from the University of Basel in Switzerland studied the positive effects of interacting with dogs on mental health. Petting dogs showed a positive response in the prefrontal brain activity associated with emotion management and social interactions. The benefits of this relationship persisted even after the end of contact with animals, indicating therapeutic potential for individuals with socioemotional deficits such as anxiety and depression.
It is scientifically proven that living with pets brings numerous benefits to human well-being, both physical and emotional. The presence of pets has a direct impact on the population’s feelings, providing relief and improving the quality of life. According to Pedro Risolia, another advantage of living with pets is empathy, which helps in social interaction. “Pets have feelings and needs that will be perceived over time. This gives the owner a greater understanding of respect and empathy for the people around them,” he said.
People with pets experience relief from stress, reduced anxiety, and may even improve depressive conditions. During January White, it is essential to remember that for caring for our mental health, the affectionate presence of our furry companions can make a significant difference in our journey towards emotional well-being.
Revitalis clinic psychiatrist highlights a study published in 2021 in Frontiers in Veterinary Science: “This interaction brings various biological effects on heart rate and activates neurochemical indicators of affiliative behavior, such as the release of dopamine, prolactin, and endorphins. There is also a reduction in serum cortisol concentration, a hormone related to stress,” concludes Dr. Emily Gomes de Souza.
