How Pets Support Mental Health; Companionship, Structure, and Purpose

After a month devoted to suicide-prevention content, we’re intentionally focusing on a lighter, hope-forward topic: the healing power of pets. In this archive episode, guest Lor shares how her “fur babies” helped her navigate a year of “swimming through mud” after a painful divorce.We explore how animals can buffer depression by providing companionship, unconditional love, structure, routine, and movement. Lori describes walks that were equal parts training sessions and tear-clearing rituals, the social connection that comes from simply being out with dogs, and the accountability that comes from a daily “I’m OK” text with a trusted friend. The conversation also normalizes medical support—Terry notes how medication “put a floor beneath my feet”—and offers accessible ways to bring animal comfort into your life (rescue, volunteer, pet-sit, or walk a neighbor’s dog).If depression is part of your story, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to walk that road solo. Explore resources and treatment options and other resources at Recovery.com.https://www.webmd.com/pets/how-pets-affect-mental-healthhttps://www.nami.org/complimentary-health-approaches/how-dogs-can-help-with-depression/Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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