There is a popular term abroad called the "pet effect", which believes that having a pet can make people happier and healthier. It is common to see reports on ** claiming that having pets is good for our body and mind, especially cats and dogs. The problem is that almost all studies on the impact of pets are based on surveying existing pet owners and non-pet owners in society and then comparing the data, but the results do not determine the causal relationship between "pet ownership" and "people's physical and mental health". So, can having a pet be the best way to be depressed? 
In 2018, a team of researchers in Portugal published a study in the Journal of Psychiatry that owning pet cats and dogs was able to reduce the condition of people with major depression who had been subjected to depression** but had no effect.
Hospital researchers Jorge and Danaiela recruited 80 outpatients with major depression and invited them to adopt cats and dogs, some of whom adopted cats and dogs, others who did not. They studied these people and found that those who lived with dogs and cats experienced significant improvements in depressive symptoms and social functioning over 12 weeks compared to those who did not have pets, and that more than a third of them no longer met the criteria for depression and were reduced.
In addition, Mota Pereira and Fonte observed that new pet owners began to show signs of remission of depression in as little as four weeks, using the Standard Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM17) and the Global Functioning Scale Assessment (GAF).
There was a statistically significant difference between the HAM17 score and the GAF score at week 12 between the pet and control groups, and the researchers explained the possibility of this: "Pets have the ability to counteract one of the main symptoms of depression, anhedonia, which manifests as the inability to experience pleasure from activities that are normally considered fun, such as sports, hobbies, or social interactions." ”
Why did the 33 people with depression who had pets get alleviated?
According to research on depression, taking care of dogs and cats can make owners more responsible, and responsibility can promote mental health.
Psychologists believe that because pet owners are tasked with taking care of their pets, by completing this task well, it helps to build self-esteem and make them feel fulfilled. Self-esteem is crucial for people with depression, and many people with depression have a low self-esteem due to various reasons, and they deny themselves extremely, thus embarking on the road of no return. Spending time with dogs and cats can also help reduce loneliness, increase opportunities for outdoor activities, and build self-confidence and increase the frequency of socialising. These all contribute to the control and alleviation of the condition of patients with depression.
In foreign countries, doctors often use the method of letting patients have pet cats and dogs, which is used as an aid to patients with depression**, and has a good effect.
Can people with depression be treated with the "pet effect"?
First of all, let's understand what depression is:
Many people have times of sadness or disappointment. Occasional sadness is normal. However, if sadness, irritability, or no longer enjoying the situation persists and shows no signs of improvement, a depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, may occur.
According to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, depression is basically manifested as: long-term mood depression, decreased pleasure, sleep problems, weight problems, lack of energy, decreased thinking ability, suicidal ideation and planning. These symptoms are not attributable to the physiologic effects of a substance or other medical disorders, and can cause clinically significant distress leading to impairment of social, occupational, or other vital functions.
Patients with depression and their families do not need to worry too much, the medical community has proven methods for moderate and severe depression
Psychological**, psychological therapy through the intervention techniques of a psychologist or psychological counselor, such as: behavioral activation, cognitive-behavioral **CBT, and interpersonal psychological**IPT, etc.
2.Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRISs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Note: Please do not take your seat by mistake. If the depressed mood continues for half a month and there is still no sign of improvement, you can seek professional help. Be sure to choose a regulated medical institution, psychiatrist, or counselor, and follow your doctor's advice. ）
In the contemporary medical field, the "animal assistance method" is a kind of intervention treatment, which refers to the introduction of animals with healing ability into the treatment under the correct guidance of professionals, so that the positive effect can be created for patients. "Animal**" It has a good effect on depression, mental illness, autism.
Although there have been numerous studies to prove that for people with depression, having a pet cat or dog can have a positive effect on the recovery of health. However, because the cause of depression is different for each patient, not all patients with depression can be alleviated by raising animals. The "pet effect" can assist with depression, but it is not a complete substitute for formal measures.
Conclusion: Raising small animals can be a good ** our mild emo emotions, relieve stress and loneliness in life, but when you realize that your emo mood, the "pet effect" can not be relieved, you should find a professional in time to solve the depression in your heart, should be found in time and healed, which is more conducive to our physical and mental health.