Playing With a Pet Can Boost Your Mental Health Who doesn’t love coming home to cuddle and play with a dog or cat? Owning a pet is like having a soft and happy best friend at all hours of the day. You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love spending some quality time with their furry friend. However, are you aware that owning a pet can boost your overall mental health? While it might seem obvious, owning a pet has proven to be an effective way to help those living with mental illness. Many people often see pets as just another member of the family, but they can help improve your mental health by just being in your vicinity. For example, many veterans receive emotional support animals (ESA) to help them with mental health disorders they develop after their time in service (such as PTSD). Even children’s hospitals bring in emotional support animals to help boost the morale of young patients. Most pet owners recognize the almost immediate joy they get from hanging out with their furry friends. However, many pet owners are unaware of the physical and mental health benefits our pets bring us. There is a strong…
Screenings are the First Step in Getting Treatment Depression continues to be a genuine issue for millions of Americans. Over 17 million Americans suffer from major depressive episodes, while nearly 48 million suffer from anxiety disorders. These are just the individuals that have received an accurate diagnosis. These numbers could potentially be much higher, which is why depression screening is such a priority. Millions of Americans live with their affliction without receiving proper treatment or even diagnosis. That is why every year, Screening for Mental Health, Inc. sponsors National Depression Screening Day during Mental Illness Awareness Week in October. It occurs annually on October 8th. Regardless of who you are, what you do, and where you come from, depression and other mental health disorders can impact you. Not only that, but they affect those around you, such as your friends, family members, and coworkers. National Depression Screening Day exists to ensure that people receive an informed diagnosis, putting them in a better position to receive the help they need. Plus, it brings depression into the light, showcasing how much of an issue it truly is. The entire month of October is a time to educate the public on the signs…
