How Pets Are Quietly Supporting Mental Health

The month of October is well known to be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it's also National Mental Health Awareness Month and I wanted to shine the light on some unsung heroes in mental health: our pets.

How Pets Improve Mental Health

It wasn't until the last few years that I realized just how important pets can be to our mental health. Think about the times you see pets in unexpected places: airports, your place of employment, or how about a trip to your therapist? They make you stop, breathe and smile, which can sometimes be just what's needed to stop an anxiety attack or rumination.

I have been fortunate to work closely with DLH Consulting and Psychiatric Services in Dartmouth. I was reminded recently, when they came to visit me in the studio, of the two amazing dogs they have in their office that quite literally turned my day around with their warm and calming demeanors. They're trained as therapeutic dogs, and got me thinking.

Therapy Animals in Unlikely Places

How many times have you been walking around and all of a sudden an adorable pet walks by and you can't help but smile or even squeak out and audible "aww" or "so cute?"

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Even Rhode Island's T.F Green Airport recognizes the power of these animals in what is arguably one of the most high-anxiety, stressful places for most people, the airport.
Dogs dressed up in Halloween costumes were recently walking around the airport, just bringing smiles and calming nerves to those traveling.

I like to take this month to check in with myself and make sure I'm doing the small things everyday to ensure my mental health is in check. Sometimes that reminder comes from a four-legged cutie you least expected.

Why You Should Check In With Yourself This October

Be sure to check in with yourself and those you care about this month and remember you are not alone. If you are curious where you can see the two beautiful dogs in the photo featured in this article, you have to stop in to DLH Consulting in Dartmouth.