This is an excerpt from a book I recently completed called Get We Get Better: 48 Treatment Options for Chronic Depression. Following the mental health journey of depression survivor Ruth, it offers numerous practical, evidence-based strategies for improving your physical, behavioral, vocational, relational, cognitive and emotional health. For updates and availability info, subscribe for free to the right. I post two or three articles per month, mostly on the topic of depression.

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Treatment option 30: Caring for a pet

It’s easy to love an animal. And it’s easy to be loved by them. For many people, pets are a primary source of joy, affection and emotional reassurance. And according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, pet ownership can reduce or prevent depression in some people. Pets provide companionship, and they also encourage healthy routines. Additionally, they enhance a person’s sense of personal significance. When you care for another living being (kids and plants count, too), you often increase your feelings of self-worth, and this feeling can be highly protective during tough times.

Of course, pets come with a financial and lifestyle commitment that you might not be ready to make. Carefully consider the sacrifices before adopting. Pet ownership is a great pleasure and a great responsibility, and as with other major life commitments, timing is important.

If desired, add “caring for a pet” to your depression treatment plan. Then decide on next steps and write them on your short-term and/or long-term to-do list.

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“This is the kind of writing that makes me feel as if I’d sat down with the author on the sofa with cups of tea and we were talking together for hours. The style is so vulnerable …” –Heather. Get The Power of Acceptance: One Year of Mindfulness and Meditation at your preferred book retailer today.

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Babies come. But babies don't go. Get Fights You’ll Have After Having a Baby: A Self-Help Story on Amazon now.

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