Do dogs really keep people away from depression?

Do dogs really keep people away from depression?

During the lockdown caused by the Corona pandemic, Kul Prasad Baral bought a golden retriever puppy and brought it to his home. He was not fond of dogs and had no affection for them. However, he says that after the school was closed, he brought a puppy to his granddaughter, who was locked inside the room, as a 'friend'.

"When she was alone, she didn't have a friend to play with, she started hanging around on her mobile around the clock," said Baral, who has a permanent home in Jhapa, "that's why we brought a puppy to play with."

Niroj Dangal, an animal technician at Pet House in Radheradhe, Bhaktapur, says that during the lockdown, the sale of puppies increased rapidly.

In the past, some people used to keep dogs in Lahalhaima or Dukhasekhi. At that time, people did not know what breed of dog to choose, for what purpose to keep it, how to keep it. However, he says that now the number of dog breeders is increasing due to their needs.

"Now a lot of people seem to take dogs home to get rid of loneliness," says Dangal.

A study by the National Alliance of Mental Illness says, 'The presence of a dog keeps people free from depression. Playing with dogs does not make you feel lonely. It helps to keep away from anxiety, stress, depression. At the same time, it keeps the dog physically active as it has to be played and rocked.

Psychologist Dr. We asked this question to Basudev Karki. Can dogs help people to be stress free?

In response, he said, 'A person's loneliness is also a factor behind depression or anxiety. An empty mind is like the devil's house, when you live alone, many things play in your mind. Loneliness can also make people depressed. When a dog or a pet is with you, you don't feel alone. Due to this, one gets rid of depression, stress, anxiety etc.'

According to him, depression is generally divided into 3 stages, normal, moderate and complex. If you have mild or moderate depression, pets like dogs can act as therapy. Because in these two stages, rather than medicine, the patient is kept busy with what he likes. This is called behavioral therapy. Petting a dog is also part of behavioral therapy. It is used to keep people away from happiness and loneliness.

"However, there has been no study in Nepal so far that dogs reduce the risk of depression or prevent depression," psychologist Dr. Karki says, "That's why you can't tell about the relationship between dogs and depression."

A dog can understand the owner's mood

According to a report by the Patient Empowerment Network, dogs can sense their owner's mood. One can guess how happy or sad the owner is by looking at the owner's face or expression. Dogs behave accordingly with their owners.

Like, when the owner has come home happily from somewhere, the dog jumps up and comes to play. If the owner looks sad or worried, the dog slowly approaches and sits with the owner, humming.

The common thread of some studies is that dogs can help reduce everything from depression to anxiety and aggression and other mental health problems.

How does a dog keep away from depression?

Veterinary Dr. According to Pranav Joshi, a dog is an animal that likes and wants to mingle easily with people. Dogs always want to be close to people. Prefers to play with people. Being a sociable animal, dogs do not let people feel lonely.

Also, dogs play a helpful role in keeping people alert, active and mentally busy. There are four reasons why dogs keep people away from depression. Joshi points.

First: After getting a dog, it needs to be fed, groomed, and walked around. Because of the dog, some people go out to the park, go out for a walk outside the house. It keeps people active as they have to walk the dog or play outdoors.

Second: The dog does not let you feel lonely. When we are alone at home, the dog keeps drawing our attention in one way or another. Sometimes it calls to play, sometimes it starts looking for food. Sometimes it barks and jumps. This is how dogs keep people busy.

Third: Dogs help to socialize with other strangers. If there is a neighbor or someone else who keeps a dog, they are well known.

Fourth: Often the average lifespan of pets like dogs and cats is 10 to 15 years. At some point, you have to part with the dog you love. It also teaches people to bear the pain of separation and accept death.

According to the report of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, dogs never make their owners feel sad or lonely. They live together and love so that there is no chance of stress or anxiety in the mind. Also, the dog gives a sense of security and closeness that "I am with you even if no one is around".

According to the American Heart Association, there are 5 ways that pets can help with stress and mental health, including reducing work stress, stimulating creativity, keeping you physically and mentally fit, refreshing, and helping to keep you away from loneliness.

Why do dog bites increase in summer?

In summer, dogs become more aggressive and there is also an increase in dog bites to people? In fact, it is not a coincidence. Recently, American scientists have discovered its underlying cause.

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School on more than 70,000 dog bite cases brought out a strange fact. What is seen from this study is that dogs are becoming more violent over time and this trend is sure to increase.

During the study, it has been observed that the rate of dog attacks on people increases on days when there is more heat and dust. According to researchers, when pollution is high, dog attacks increase by 11 percent compared to other days.

According to scientists, climate change and global warming are increasing due to human causes and its effect is also affecting the mood of dogs.

This research has been published on June 15 in Scientific Reports of the journal Nature. The study was conducted for 10 years in 8 major US cities. What it clearly shows is that the winter season is very hot and the days when the amount of dust and smoke increases, the aggressiveness of the dog also seems to increase.

According to research, dog bites increase by 11 percent when exposure to UV rays increases. In summer, it increases by another 4 percent, while the fear of dog bites increases by another 3 percent on days with increased ozone levels.

Similarly, it has been observed that dog bites increase by 1 percent even when there is heavy rain.

Effects of heat on humans too

What some studies have shown is that there is a direct relationship between crime incidents and high temperatures, i.e. hot weather.

Amsterdam-based Vrij University conducted a study on the subject, the results of which were published in the journal Behavioral and Brain Sciences. It analyzed the relationship between climate, human aggression and self-control.

According to researchers, the climate in which people live plays a role in controlling or provoking their anger. People become more aggressive and crime rates increase in hot weather, which decreases in cooler areas.

Recent studies have shown that this trend in humans also applies to dogs.

4 things to keep in mind when taking your dog outside for a walk

Not everyone keeps a dog at home only in Dekhasiki or Lahad. Some people keep it for the security of the house, while others keep the dog with them to make the family atmosphere fun. To avoid loneliness, the tribe of dog breeders is growing.

After keeping a dog at home, it is not only necessary to feed him properly, but also to give him time. Many breeds of dogs are very energetic and need to be taken outside regularly. The problem is that we do not have a separate park for dogs.

Chowk, street, roadside or any open place should be used. In such a situation, there is a situation where local people and neighbors have to abuse. Because they defecate and urinate on random dogs, bark and bark at cats, and eat whatever they find on the road.

Therefore, before taking your pet dog outside for a walk, you should take care of a few things.

1. Carry a fold picker

When taking the dog outside, care should be taken about how to manage and dispose of the feces. When going outside, you should make it a habit to defecate and urinate in a certain place. Also, you should carry a potty picker (faeces picker) with you. In this way, the faeces should be kept in polythene and disposed of properly.

2. Lead with a rope

Pet dogs can run wild when they are let out. While running in this way, it can attack people and fight with other dogs. So if possible wear a rope (harness and leash) and walk with you.

3. Learn to walk with yourself

A dog is taught the same behavior at a young age. You can get into the habit of walking with yourself while swinging outside. Especially it is best to make a habit of walking on a rope. While walking in this way, the dog may pull the rope and try to run around. But if they are taught to walk with you from a young age, they will not pull the rope, they will walk straight.

4. Get vaccinated

Dogs may bite others for some reason while walking outside. Or can fight with street dogs. At such times, there is a fear of spreading and spreading an infection like rabies. Therefore, certain vaccinations should be given to the dog at an early age. It should be taken out of the house only after giving such a vaccine.

Do you have to take all the dogs outside for a walk?

Generally there are two types of dogs, big and small. There are large breeds like Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Dalmation. They must be taken outside the house for half to an hour a day. Such dogs should be allowed to run, play and exercise outside the house or in the open.

It is not enough to keep such dogs indoors and exercise them. Because they need exercise according to their body structure, they have to play in open spaces.

However, small breed dogs such as Shiba Inu, Beagle, Pug, Dudal, Golden Retriever, Spania, Japanese Spitz are only allowed to play indoors and let them run around the floor. It is not necessary to bring them outside.

Similarly, if the dog is sick, diseased or has a lack of glucose in the body, it should be taken for a walk only with the advice of a veterinarian. Only healthy dogs are allowed to walk outside.

What kind of place to take?

In foreign countries, there is a separate pet park, but in Nepal there is no provision for it. Therefore, to walk the dog, you should choose a large open square, a garden or a place that does not disturb others.

If you take it for a walk in a crowded or crowded place, there is a possibility that the dog will be angry with the person, and the person will be angry with the dog. That's why it is considered suitable for them to be petted in a quiet place with less human traffic, less community dog pressure, and less children. It is also effective to take your dog to a place where there is no stress.

What is depression in pregnancy? Know causes, symptoms, and treatment

Depression is a problem that anyone can be a victim of. This problem can also be seen during pregnancy. The risk of developing depression in pregnancy is about 4 to 20 percent. This problem can be due to many reasons, which the pregnant and unborn baby can be harmed. Therefore, you must know the important things related to depression in pregnancy. In this article, we are explaining in detail the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression in pregnancy. Apart from this, other important information related to this will also be shared with you.

Don't lose with depression

People sometimes fall into the trap of depression. It also sows the seeds of depression in people. The same depression is sometimes so effective that he begins to see his own existence as zero.

This emptiness brings people to the brink of death. When people see themselves as non-existent, they may even take the path of death.

It is said that two-thirds of the world's population is suffering from stress. But the reasons may be different. People can also suffer from falling behind in the daily race, leaving with family, having problems with modern lifestyle, love affair, etc.

How to avoid depression?

- Don't make friends with people who only talk about your inferiority complex or who feel that way.

- Do not keep frustration in mind for as long as possible. Talk to a good friend or neighbor.

- Talk on the phone, listen to your favorite music, play an instrument, or go out. Take your mind and thoughts to the next path where stress is reduced.

- Engage yourself in some creative work. Help someone. Such actions boost confidence. Such feelings reduce stress.

- Don't let yourself feel it. If something goes wrong, do not regret it. We can take inspiration from people who ride horses. The man falls off the horse but still gets up and after a while, he learns to ride the horse. So don't let yourself get depressed.

Psychologists believe that small accomplishments in life encourage you to be happy and move forward. You never talk about a half-empty glass. You only talk about half a glass.

Feelings of dissatisfaction surround life for a while. It is permanent, when the failure is repeated again and again, then the feeling of dissatisfaction begins to increase in people. This situation should be avoided.

For this, change your method, adopt new methods, understand new technology. In any case, there are several ways to deal with depression.

Don't let your past failures and sad experiences overwhelm your mind or thoughts. Collect such experiences for the future.

Such experiences will arouse the desire and enthusiasm to reach the goal. In such a situation, time and space should not be given to negative thoughts.

Spend some time laughing with the kids each day. Watch comedy shows like Laughter Channel, read jokes, and tell kids. Children's happiness will double your happiness.

Exercise every day. It increases the hormones that provide happiness.

Eat a balanced diet, avoid junk food to keep energy levels high. Tell your special friends and family about stress. So that a new way can be found and come out of depression.

Don't put a bundle of unnecessary emotions on your head. Start Forgiving Others Learn to forget negative events and thoughts.

Check out some fun things for fun or gossip.

Spend some time improving the environment. Go to the park and take in the morning breeze, listen to the bird's chirp.

In fact, fun reduces stress and stress reduces fun. Ignore the causes of small stress and embrace success to perfection with a small moment of happiness.

Don't worry about great success or great happiness. Your thoughts, your confidence will help you to avoid stress. Stress is also a major cause of depression. So try to control yourself and be as happy as possible.

Fear of 'mass depression'

Epidemics, natural disasters come and go from time to time. The effect of the mind, the brain lasts a long time. This should be taken care of in time.

Various studies claim that ‘one in three people in the world will be mentally ill after 2030’. The reason for the global terror of Kovid-19.

"It's hard to say how traumatic the Covid-19 epidemic can be," says Yuval Nerai, a professor of psychology at Columbia University in the United States. But it will last longer than any previous epidemic. '

The epidemic does not stress an individual or a family, it affects the society and the nation. Kovid-19 has caused a stir all over the world. Experts have warned that even after the technical control or termination of Covid-19, its injuries could endanger the human race in the long run. And, that would be more of a mental distraction than a financial and physical one.

The virus, which was seen in Wuhan, China in late December, is now spreading around the world. After China, Italy, and now the United States is at the center of the crisis.

As of Friday, the virus had killed more than 53,200 people. 1 million 15 thousand people are infected. The omnipotent US President Donald Trump has said that it would be an "achievement" if the death toll in the US could be reduced to one million.

The majority of countries are in limbo. A quarter of the world's population is confined to their homes. Hotels, airports, colleges, and all kinds of workplaces are closed. The United Nations has called Corona the worst crisis since World War II. The world has rarely faced such a collective shock before.

After Chait, Nepal's public life also became chaotic. The lockdown that started on December 11 has been extended till December 10. Thank you! So far, the infection has not become an epidemic in our country.

Even so, the common man has not been able to get rid of the anxiety of what will happen next. Psychoanalyst Basu Acharya says, ‘We now have less psychological stress caused by viruses than in other countries. But if we are not careful, it can hurt for a long time. '

According to Acharya, the mental disorder that appears in the common man after an epidemic is called traumatic stress disorder in the language of psychology. Disasters that you have never experienced, that you have never imagined, make people restless. Anxiety and nervousness occur. I feel sad and unhappy. Uncomfortable and restless. "After the earthquake, we had such a disorder," said Acharya. "Most of the people who come to me for counseling say that the problem started after the earthquake."

It is difficult to say how painful the Covid-19 epidemic is mental. But it will last longer than any previous epidemic. - Yuval Nerai, Professor, Columbia University

After the 2003 SARS attack in China, a large community was suddenly depressed. The 9/11 terrorist attacks created a similar situation in the United States. But Professor Nerai does not want to compare it with the events of September 11 and the post-World War II depression. He sees the current situation as even direr. "At that time, there was only terror within a certain geography," Nerai told CNBC. There is no limit now. '

So far, the number of Kovid-19 infected people in Nepal is low. But people are still terrified. Psychological deviations have begun to spread on social media. What a mess it must have been! There are no positive signs that the virus will be eradicated. Instead of trying to recover, we wallow in our sadness and thus, experience more failure.

Probably a factor as to why they're doing so poorly. Yoga and naturopathy specialist Dr. Hari Prasad Pokharel expresses concern that the problem of the body is shifting towards the mind. ‘Covid-19 can cause a variety of mental stressors. We have to be ready to fight it now, 'he said.

We believed that foreign countries had helped us and would do so even if the earthquake-damaged our property. We receive remittances from almost every household, the earthquake did not affect it, but Kovid-19 may close or affect that road. It takes some time for the domestic economic business to deteriorate. The tourism sector takes a long time. It is this tension that has taken root in our minds.

"We are being plagued by fabricated and negative fears rather than realistic ones. Its source is social media, 'said psychoanalyst Acharya.' People are panicking while following unnecessary and exaggerated information about Covid-19. You have to balance that yourself. '

According to him, even after the end of Kovid-19, most people are not afraid of the virus coming back, I think. Feeling we have 'Run out of gas' emotionally. Feeling we have 'Run out of gas' emotionally. Feeling we have 'Run out of gas' emotionally. I feel like crying. The work wakes up. Acharya says, ‘But the person himself may not know that he has a problem. I have met many such people after the earthquake. I don't know why I was sad. '

'Useless social media to relieve stress'

Depression can be avoided if psychotherapy, family love, social support, and the victim's intellect can be refined. Even if you do not do this, you should take medicine.

According to experts, this treatment is based on family love. Like now when you are with your family in lockdown, you should talk to each other as much as possible. The behavior of yourself and your family members should be monitored. It may flow in the mind, it should be made an environment to release. Those who do not want to be open should be made emotionally comfortable. Must be engrossed in creative work. Tolerance must be developed. According to psychoanalyst Acharya, it is very effective if only one member of the family takes care of this and gives support/counseling to others accordingly. The pain subsides at home.

"Now let's have fun at home, let's increase family love. Let's have a lot of fun at this time so that we can develop the courage to resist collectively no matter what happens tomorrow. '

After family, social intimacy develops a person's self-confidence, but in our case, Acharya claims that society has a hand in increasing mental anguish. He says, ‘After seeing a slight change in behavior, others call him crazy. Makes a laughing stock. This tendency puts the victim in the throes of further pain and then comes the guardianship of the state.

Psychologists say that when I believe that the state will take care of me when there is a crisis, there will be less mental distractions. In Nepal, the government has announced relief for daily wage workers, special care for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and provision of wages by employers for formal sector workers.

Voices are being raised that government relief is positive but inadequate. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced an emergency economic package of two trillion dollars. The relief program is expected to enable Americans to cope with the economic crisis.

Psychiatric counseling has started in New York without control of Covid-19. Governor Andrew Cuomo has appointed 6,000 employees. They are working 24 hours a day for free psychiatric treatment.

Due to this epidemic, those who will lose their jobs, those who will lose relatives, those who will 'recover' after the infection, they become mentally weak.

Depression or other problems are more likely to be exacerbated. Elena Newman, a mental health researcher who has been affected by the outbreak, says:

For now, avoiding Kovid-19 is all that matters. Different energy can come after facing the crisis. New possibilities of profession/business can be born. Acharya suggests, ‘Now let’s enjoy sitting at home, increasing family love. Let's have a lot of fun at this time so that we can develop the courage to resist collectively no matter what happens tomorrow. '