For most, pets are sources of unconditional love, companionship, and therapeutic benefits. Studies consistently demonstrate the benefits of pet ownership and how it can lower stress, blood pressure and improve a sense of well-being. Humans and animals can form a bond that can be very comforting, helping with emotions in times of trouble. But while the advantages of pet ownership are widely acknowledged, the potential downsides to mental health are less widely noted. Could your pet be a reason for your stress, anxiety, or even depression?

The Secret Stressors of Pet Ownership

When you have a pet, there are many things you will have to do, and sometimes it feels understandably like a lot. Between feeding, grooming, vet visits and training, the daily demands of pet care can be exhausting. Financial strain is another big stressor, as the costs of food, medical care, and pet expenses can rack up quickly. For people already facing mental health issues, these responsibilities may become a weight, rather than a balm.
Furthermore, pets need time and attention, which can be difficult for workers with demanding jobs, social events to be at, or some people in to be in personal strife. Most of these diseases develop very slowly, and the mind starts getting a little fragile, the guilt of not being able to provide enough care or affection leads to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, aggravating an already fragile state of mind.
Not all dogs need to be registered as emotional support dogs.

The Emotional Toll of Pet Loss and Behavioral Issues

Few pet ownership hurdles are as emotionally exhausting as the loss of a beloved companion. If you have lost a pet you know that the loss can bring the same heartache as losing a member of your family causing profound grief and sadness. Such emotional toll can be especially calamitous for those who depend on their pets for emotional solace.
Problems with your pet’s behavior, including excessive barking, aggression, or destructive tendencies can also cause extreme stress. No one wants to feel helpless in the home when you have a struggling pet and attempt all you can, but when a pet is displaying problematic behavior, it can lead to a very tense home environment and strain relationships. Pet owners might feel judged or inadequate if they can’t care for their pet’s problem, putting them in another downward spiral for mental health.

Seclusion and lifestyle restrictions

Even though pets provide companionship, they can also cause social isolation. For some pet owners, the responsibility of having an animal can restrict their ability to go out, travel, or even pursue career opportunities. This isolation can be even more stark for those dealing with anxiety or depression, who may lean on their pets for companionship to the exclusion of human connections.
And for some, the responsibility of a pet’s needs may feel like a trap, forcing them out of spontaneous trips or limiting their ability to make lifestyle changes. As a result of the constant obligation of pet ownership one may feel entrapped and the idea of having a pet becomes a source of stress and frustration instead of joy.

Striking a Balance

Pet ownership, while undeniably has mental health benefits, also has potential pitfalls which bear acknowledgment. Accepting the idea that pets bring responsibilities and additional stressors can help prepare owners for the challenges behind pet caretaking. Mostly, help, whether in form of pet training services, pet sitters, or mental health counseling, can ease up some of the responsibilities that come with the pet ownership.
So, the bottom line is that by getting balanced. If you're supporting your mental health but your pet hurts it, it's fine to reassess your situation and make choices that put your well-being first. A pet-owner relationship that is healthy and happy should be mutually beneficial — a joy not a stress.