Pawsitive Healing: How My Furry friend is beneficial to My Mental Health and Fibromyalgia Journey

The companionship I have with my dog has had the most positive impact on my mental health and has provided substantial benefits for individuals like me, dealing with fibromyalgia. Dogs are not only loving and loyal companions but also offer a unique form of therapeutic support. I know my little Trigga has this way of turning my anxiety around within a snap of the fingers.

For people struggling with mental health challenges, the presence of a dog can offer a consistent source of comfort and emotional support. Interacting with a dog has been shown to release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and reducing stress. Just sitting and petting or cuddling my dog triggers some sort of relaxation in my little body, leading to my quickly lowered heart rate and my anxiety levels decreasing. I have asked questions, read books and watched plenty of YouTube videos that have led me to believe that it is the natural release of endorphins and oxytocin can contribute to a more stable and positive mood, making daily stressors feel more manageable.

In the case of fibromyalgia, it fu*king sucks! It’s a chronic widespread pain condition, with fibro its more than pain, it’s the fatigue and cognitive difficulties where my doggie comes in offering his unique advantages. Regular physical activity is often recommended to manage fibromyalgia symptoms, and having a dog encourages my consistent exercise through daily walks. I also feel that the initial responsibility of caring for a dog provided me some sort of a sense of purpose, the routines I have built with my fur baby are probably the most valuable. When I am dealing with fibromyalgia flareups, fluctuating energy levels and my strong ability to hermit, it is my support animal that gets me outside. The routine care involved in dog ownership keeps me on my toes with our morning walks and my pups daily schedule. Maintaining a consistent routine helps manage my symptoms and improve sleep patterns.

My pup possesses a crazy natural ability to sense my emotions and run up, offering unconditional love and companionship. Somehow, his presence alone offers a distraction from pain and worries, redirecting my focus towards more positive interactions. Engaging with my dog can sometimes shift my attention away from physical discomfort or anxious thoughts, bringing on a sense of relief and relaxation.

In conclusion, the relationship between a dog and its owner extends far beyond companionship or support animal. The mental and physical benefits of having a dog are well-documented and can be particularly impactful for individuals dealing with fibromyalgia. The support, emotional connection, and physical activity facilitated by a furry friend contribute to improved mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The daily routines, social interactions, and regular exercise associated with dog ownership offer valuable tools for managing fibro symptoms. While a dog may not provide a complete solution, their presence adds a layer of positivity and well-being to the lives of those they touch, making them exceptional allies in the journey towards better mental health and fibromyalgia management.