Author: Sam Bowman

 

Pet therapy can meaningfully improve your quality of life if you live with bipolar disorder and have a love for animals. This sentiment is echoed by research published in News in Health, which found that people who spend time with pets and friendly animals have lower blood pressure, are less stressed, and display improved social skills.  

Pets can be particularly beneficial if you live with bipolar disorder, as living with a support animal may help you destress and unwind after a tough day. Adopting a pet can provide companionship, too, which can give you purpose and help you create a schedule to guide your day.  

Reasons to Adopt 

If you’re considering a pet for emotional support, you may want to adopt rather than buy from a breeder. Adopting a pet from a shelter can save the animal’s life and free up room for other stray and abandoned animals to receive care and support. Other reasons to adopt a pet include reduced adoption costs and potentially healthier pets. They might also come house-trained, so they’re a lot less work. 

Adopting gives you a chance to grow together with your pet, too. Being on a journey with an animal that requires your love and attention can be grounding and will give you a meaningful sense of purpose when you need stability in your life.   

The presence of a pet can boost your mood, too. Your body releases oxytocin, adrenaline, and serotonin when you’re around an animal that you love, which can boost your mood. Taking care of a well-trained animal can help you stay in the moment and may help you become more resilient in years to come.  

Keeping Your Pet Healthy 

If you do adopt a pet, you must do your utmost to support their health and well-being. Animals rely on you for everything from food and water to exercise and mental stimulation. You may need to co-own your pet if you suspect your symptoms could interfere with your ability to be a good pet parent for your pooch, fish, or cat.  

You’ll also need to watch out for any illnesses that they may present. This is crucial when adopting a new animal, as many pets have allergies that prior owners often overlook. Signs that your pet has allergies to something in your home include:  

• Regular coughing and sneezing; 

• Itching or scratching their fur to excess; 

• Digestive complaints causing diarrhea or vomiting; 

• Fur loss and inflammation. 

Common causes of allergies in dogs include the presence of fleas or issues with their diet. This can be stressful if you’re a pet parent, as you may struggle to resolve the issue. Get the ball rolling by creating a solid rapport with your vet. 

Creating the Right Environment  

Adopting a pet can boost your mental health and help you manage your symptoms. However, recent research from the University of York shows that pets don’t necessarily help people with bipolar disorder. Researchers found that pet ownership could even increase your stress if you aren’t in the right environment to care for your support animal.  

Take steps to prepare your home for the arrival of a support animal by reaching out to trusted friends and family who can help you care for your new pup or kitten. Sharing the load can enhance your ability to keep your pet healthy and ensure they’re well looked after if you cannot care for them. Finding an animal support system can make a world of difference to your mental health and aid your efforts to manage your symptoms.  

Conclusion 

Pet therapy and support animals can help you manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, you’ll need to take proactive steps to ensure you’re the best pet parent you can be. Get started by leaning on your support network to ensure you’re ready to take on the challenge of pet ownership. When you do bring a pet into your life, be sure to attend to their needs, as adopted animals may struggle with allergies and anxiety, too.  

 

The content of the International Bipolar Foundation blogs is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician and never disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read in any IBPF content.