Formalize the fact: Animals can also suffer from depression

"Animals, like humans, have a spiritual realm. The dog who stays with his owner until he dies of old age, the cat who keeps crying because of the accidental death of his companion... In addition to these facts moving us, are there other important things that we haven't noticed? ?The video uses the term "mental problems" in a very subtle way.

In technical terms, this is depression in animals.

When animals suffer from mental problems, they will have a harder time than humans. Think about it, your partner or parents may not be honest with you about their mental symptoms and problems, let alone a dog who cannot communicate verbally.

It cannot describe its feelings, you ignore its problems, and it can only endure, day after day, unable to sit down and eat properly before completing its extreme sexual ritual. Body and mind always influence each other. Poor health can lead to a bad mental state, and a bad mood can also make the physical state more worrisome.

The main manifestations of depression in animals include listlessness, inactivity, loss of appetite, and even bad temper. Even their favorite activities in the past cannot make them happy.

Just like people, in addition to depression, some animals also suffer from anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, traumatic syndrome... They may engage in self-injurious behaviors such as gnawing on things and banging their heads against hard objects, just like some people cut themselves to seek relaxation. , is actually a kind of self-harm. ”

The current status of depression in pets

A friend in Germany said, "Not long ago, my cat got sick and kept losing hair. The veterinarian said that your cat is not in a good mental state and needs to see a psychiatrist, a cat psychiatrist!"

Fortunately, most countries in the West have animal psychologists who are proficient in the psychological activities and behaviors of animals. Often employed by zoos and owners to resolve animal psychological issues or assess an animal's living situation to identify potential problems and stress. In most cases, an animal psychologist can actually help resolve or at least alleviate certain animal illnesses or health issues.

A friend who raises dogs in China said, "My dog ​​has been listless recently. When I go to work and watch the surveillance camera, it squats in the corner all day and eats less. When I went to the pet hospital, the doctor just prescribed some medicine, but nothing happened." Tell me how to solve it."

In fact, some pets suffering from depression behave so abnormally that they must be treated with behavior-adjusting drugs, otherwise they will face being abandoned or even humanely destroyed and rehabilitated.The danger of death waiting.

When you open Baidu, you can hardly find any topics related to "pet psychologist". Ironically, "companion animal therapy" (scientists have found that more contact with small animals can change people's mood and alleviate mental and psychological problems. This is the internationally popular "companion animal therapy" that began in the 1970s.); "Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)" is a method that uses animals as the medium and through contact between humans and animals. The process of improving or maintaining the physical condition of sick or disabled people, or helping them strengthen their interaction with the outside world, thereby adapting to society and promoting recovery.)

There are endless examples of humans using animals to contribute to their own physical and mental health. Should we also reflect on whether we are really too selfish?

One in five Americans is taking psychotropic drugs, and we owe an entire psychotropic drug industry to animals, who are often used as drug testing subjects rather than treatment subjects. We always fail to face up to their mental state and needs.

The correct way to return to love!

Pets accompany us throughout their lives, but should we also use the greatest care we can give to truly love them?

What we have to do is actually very simple, that is, recognize their needs and give them enough care and love.

To love them, you need to recognize their needs, not just expensive milk baths, exaggerated beauty dyes, eye-catching necklaces and pendants, ridiculously expensive nutritional supplements, fancy shoes and clothes. In the final analysis, these are just more. Most of it is just to satisfy the owner's personal psychological needs. What they really need may just be companionship, care, communication and a joyful run.