RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE

Speaking from her own experience, Rosie Tilley shares the astonishing effects of dogs on the path.of recovery from mental health

- Rosie Tilley

It is understood that mental health is a topic many find difficult to talk about. However, it is a huge issue worldwide and with research and knowledge can definitely be tackled. Recovery is possible. It is with such research and knowledge that we can bring the understanding to generations new and old that communication is key when it comes to helping those with the kind of mental health issues that affect their daily lives, sometimes beyond the ability to function as normal, healthy beings.

You may ask what this has to do with dogs? This article brings together the huge challenges faced by mental health patients and the incredible effects of which dogs can have on life towards mental health recovery. Well, anyone would feel better with a loyal dog by their side, right?

Let’s begin by thinking about the mind. It has huge capabilities. Keeping a healthy and active lifestyle is of optimum importance and this all begins with ensuring that we look after the body and the mind. Being at ease in one’s body and living mindfully is the dream, and for some this goes without a second thought. However, for others, this is seemingly an unrealistic and unreachable goal. Facts and figures show a shocking increase in the number of people suffering disorders, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality disorders, eating disorders, and diagnosed cases on the autistic spectrum. Perhaps the rise in these cases is due to the stressful lifestyles we live in the present day. It would not come as a surprise that the stress of work, money, and other daily woes could cause such trauma to a usually sound mind.