The loneliness epidemic, being chronically online, and increasing rates of depression and anxiety are only a few of the problems that plague today’s twenty-somethings. While increased feelings of unrest are common in young adulthood (20 to 25 or older), it seems the current state of the world is exacerbating these issues.
In this piece, we’ll take a look at what it means to be a young adult in modern times (from a mental health perspective) and whether or not pets have the solution to all our problems. So stay tuned until the end!
The State of Mental Health in Twenty-Somethings
According to a Harvard survey, around 58% of young adults feel directionless and purposeless in today’s society. They worry about financial security, social and political issues, and achievement pressure.
There’s a widespread feeling of “I don’t know what to do with my life.” that negatively impacts twenty-somethings mental health. Add to this the impact of social media, and you have a perfect cocktail of negativity that keeps young people down and hopeless.
To an extent, this feeling of feeling lost is normal. You’ve just stepped into adulthood, and there’s constant pressure from loved ones to society as a whole to perform and show you’ve got your bearings.
Furthermore, the fact that you can see your former class colleagues’ successes almost in real-time doesn’t help ease the pressure.
But it’s important to remember that these feelings are normal, and it’s okay to take time to figure things out. What you see on social media is often not real or the whole truth, so you can’t compare your situation with someone else’s.
Is Having a Pet the Answer?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Multiple studies show pets (usually cats and dogs) help reduce their humans’ anxiety, stress, and depression. These furballs are your confidants and support during dark times when you feel the world is falling apart.
Pets also help ease loneliness, which is a pressing health problem nowadays. For instance, if you take a dog in your care, you’ll have a forever friend waiting to return from work or school. They’ll be there when you go to sleep and there to wake you up in the morning.
Plus, the daily walks and playtime help keep you grounded and focused on the present moment (instead of spiraling about the future). Not to mention that it becomes easier to meet and interact with other dog lovers out in the wild.
However, you can’t make your pet fully responsible for your mental health. You must also develop healthy habits that provide the tools to face the world. Once you escape the vicious circle of negativity, you’ll discover things to enjoy and goals to strive for.
Regular Pet vs. ESA
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are special pets that are included in the treatment for severe anxiety or depression. They provide a soothing presence and help their humans conquer mental challenges that prevent them from living a normal life.
Unlike regular pets, ESAs are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals through an official letter. This letter grants them a few protections under specific laws, which differ from state to state.
For instance, ESA registration in Texas allows your pet protection under the Fair Housing Act for housing accommodations, but they may face stricter policies in public spaces. California, on the other hand, provides broader support for individuals with disabilities, granting stronger tenant rights, which also cover ESAs.
Overall, regular pets offer companionship but lack the legal recognition awarded to ESAs. Also,
an ESA is formally linked to supporting its owner’s diagnosed mental health needs.
Here are a few examples of how an emotional support animal can help with specific mental health issues:
- Dogs help with anxiety relief – A dog’s calming presence can ease anxiety during panic attacks. Their instinct to cuddle or rest nearby helps ground individuals in moments of stress.
- Cats for depression support – Petting a cat releases oxytocin, which lifts moods and combats feelings of isolation.
- Rabbits for PTSD symptoms – Their quiet nature provides comfort, which is ideal for individuals managing trauma-related triggers.
- Birds for loneliness – Parrots or canaries offer companionship through playful interaction and mimicry, reducing feelings of social disconnection.
- Miniature horses for grief recovery – Gentle and empathetic by nature, these animals help people process emotional pain through non-verbal support activities like grooming or walking alongside them.
What If I Can’t Have a Pet?
If having your own cute and cuddly soul isn’t an option, you can still find ways to interact with pets.
Do you have friends or family who have pets? If so, ask to help out with walking, grooming, or pet sitting. You can even schedule pet visits, during which you spend time with both your loved ones and their furballs.
If this is also not an option, sign up for pet-sitting or house-sitting services. You’ll get paid to watch people’s dogs and houses – now that’s a great deal! There’s also the option to volunteer as a dog walker or a foster pet parent.
In Summary
Pets are wonderful companions for everyone at any stage of life. However, they can become your lifeline when you feel down and overwhelmed. Cherish them as much as they cherish you, and you’ll be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel (eventually).