Paws for Prevention and Our Mental Health

Right now…somewhere in your home, in the next room, or even right next to you…There may be something that helps reduce your stress and anxiety, keeps you grounded in the moment, and provides unconditional love and support.

It’s your favorite furry friend.

“People recognize that there is something special about bonds between humans and their pets,” says American Psychiatric Association President Rebecca Brendel, M.D., J.D. “They play many roles, from non-judgmental companions to key partners in reducing our stress and anxiety. Americans clearly recognize that our relationships with our pets can have noticeable benefits for our overall mental health.”

These benefits impact our physical health as well. The US National Institute of Health has found that people who own pets visit doctors less often, have lower blood pressure, and recover more quickly from surgeries and more serious illnesses. 

We’ve been sharing our lives with pets for more than 30,000 years, our relationship evolving as we’ve evolved. Anyone who has a dog knows that they get us—they’re keenly attuned to our moods, ready to empathize and respond to our emotional needs. In return, we gain a sense of responsibility and purpose from caring for them and the acceptance and belonging we feel from their steadfast affection. 

Our deep connection is why animal-assisted therapy is increasingly used to support those of us in need, including people struggling with depression and despair and who may be having suicidal thoughts. Spending time with a dog can make us feel less isolated, more connected, more valued. Studies show that this interaction can reduce the level of stress hormones in our bodies, like cortisol, adrenaline, and aldosterone.

May is Mental Health Month—the perfect time to celebrate these incredible companions and their life-changing impact. Sponsored by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Rhode Island Chapter, the Paws for Prevention and Wellness Fair raises funds for critical research, education programs, advocacy, and support for those affected by mental health and suicide. 

Molly O’Brien is a longtime animal rescue and AFSP-RI Volunteer advocate who participates in Paws for Prevention. “Having a pet opens doors through conversation and shared experience with other pet owners,” she observes.

Volunteering at shelters and fostering animals over the years, she’s coordinated many adoptions and has witnessed the mutual healing that occurs between people and pets.

“Our relationship with our pets is unlike any relationship with humans,” says Molly, “They can teach us compassion, respect, and joy in ways no others can. What we give to our pets is love, and what they give us in return is totally unconditional. That loyalty and unconditional love can be lifesaving when you are going through a difficult time, be it heartbreak, illness, grief, or stress.”

 Nicki Del Vecchio is an AFSP-RI board member and chair for AFSP-RI Paws for Prevention. She is passionate about raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health wellness. Nicki and her trained pet therapy dog, Bambino, are part of the Paws from the Heart team, providing support to local Rhode Island communities and promoting health, happiness, and healing to those in need. 

“I love seeing how Bambino makes people smile by just walking in the room or hearing them call his name when he walks down the hall. A person's demeanor lights up when they see and are able to interact with the dogs!” Nicki observes, “I saw it firsthand with my dad while he was in hospice. The only thing that made him smile some days was being visited by a therapy dog.”

As a Veterinarian Technician, Nicki is even more aware of the importance of mental health wellness and support. Caring for our pets is a rewarding role but also stressful and demanding, and veterinary professionals are at a higher suicide risk compared with the general population. AFSP-RI Paws for Prevention is an opportunity to show our support and share our thanks for their constant care and dedication.

 “We navigate through our days of pet patients and parents the best we can,” says Nicki.  “As a technician I have had to comfort families at a time of loss and then have to walk into a puppy appointment right after. I know that going home to my dogs and cats helps me relax and decompress.”

 Come join us on Saturday, May 11, from 10 am to 12:30 pm for AFSP RI’s Paws for Prevention at Warwick City Park in Warwick. Whether you’re a pet owner or not, you are welcome. By participating and showing support, you can help us break the stigma surrounding mental health and raise awareness that suicide can be prevented. 

To register or get more information about the event, please visit https://supporting.afsp.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=9845

Authored by Victoria Lemont