Losing a loved one to suicide is a pain that never fully fades. I know this pain intimately, having lost my brother, a cousin, and two close friends to suicide. It’s a wound that feels like it should have healed but often reopens, especially during moments of quiet reflection. It’s been over a decade since my brother died, and yet, there are still days when the weight of that loss is so heavy that it feels overwhelming. In these moments, I turn to my dogs. Their presence, their silent understanding, has often been my lifeline.
Working at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by animals daily; dogs and cats whose unconditional love has become a source of comfort on dark days. The healing power of pets, especially in the face of mental health struggles, cannot be overstated.
Psychologists and mental health experts largely agree: pets can play a significant role in improving mental well-being. For those who feel isolated or lack strong social connections, a pet can become much more than just a companion. They offer affection, yes, but also purpose; a reason to get out of bed in the morning; a living being that needs your care and love. In fact, our shelter has seen a rise in people looking for emotional support animals.
Cats and smaller dogs tend to be popular choices because of their size and the perceived ease of care, but large dogs, too, can have profound impacts. Engaging in activities like playing fetch, going on walks, or even just ensuring a dog’s basic needs are met helps people focus outside of themselves. This shift in focus has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with both anxiety and depression, which are two of the most common mental health challenges in today’s society.
For those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the effects of pet ownership can be even more pronounced. PTSD, as described by the Mayo Clinic, is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event, whether experienced firsthand or witnessed. The symptoms—flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, can be debilitating. Pets, especially dogs, have been shown to help reduce the anxiety experienced by PTSD sufferers and provide a stabilizing force in their lives. Simply petting a dog or feeling their warm presence next to you can be grounding during moments of overwhelming distress.
But while pets can offer incredible support, it’s crucial to emphasize that they are not a replacement for professional help. Anyone struggling with their mental health should seek guidance from a mental health professional, follow prescribed treatments, and incorporate other wellness practices like proper nutrition and exercise. Pets, in this context, are another tool—a loving, supportive tool to help foster better mental health.
On Sunday, November 10th, the SPCA Albrecht Center will be proud to participate in the 12th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk at Virginia Acres Park, an event organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
We’ll be handing out free adoption coupons at the event, and it’s our hope that some of our wonderful shelter dogs will find their forever homes. This adoption effort is about more than just finding homes for these animals, it’s about recognizing the profound impact they can have on the lives of people, especially those facing mental health challenges.
We believe that by adopting a dog, participants won’t just be saving a life; they may be gaining a new source of healing and comfort on their own. So, please consider joining us.
Whether you walk in memory of someone you’ve lost, to support a loved one struggling, or to bring home a new furry friend, your presence will make a difference. Together, we can shine a light on the darkness of mental health struggles, and maybe even offer some relief in the form of a wagging tail.
You can register for the walk at afsp.org/aiken or join our team by visiting Shelter Pets United to Prevent Suicide at afsp.org.
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