Pets owned by the LGBTQ+ community largely improve their mental well-being, according to more than 90% of respondents (explaining the reasons behind this).
In a survey reported by PinkNews, it has been revealed that pets provide significant mental health benefits for the LGBTQ+ community. The survey, conducted by Lily's Kitchen and 3Gem, found that over 91% of LGBTQ+ pet parents in the UK consider their pets essential for their mental health.
The survey results highlight the importance of pets in supporting the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. Pets offer unconditional companionship that can reduce feelings of loneliness and provide emotional stability amid societal stressors.
Research shows that pets can lower blood pressure, decrease levels of cortisol (a hormone related to stress), and make people feel happier. Specifically, studies cited by Petgevity reveal that 67% of pet owners say their pets have helped them cope with discrimination, and 91% of LGBTQ+ pet owners in the UK report a positive impact on their mental health from their pets.
The "pet effect" is particularly strong among transgender people, highlighting pets as a key source of emotional support during difficult experiences. Over half (52%) of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents feel closer to their pets than their family.
Pets can also help reduce loneliness, with over a third (37%) of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents saying their pets helped them make new friends or connections. Furthermore, 89% of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet parents turn to their pets for comfort, and 89% of them stated that having a pet gave them a sense of purpose.
Max Hovey, a queer advocate and internet personality, speaks more to his cat than his friends, demonstrating the emotional bond that many LGBTQ+ individuals share with their pets.
Spending time with pets can help improve mental health in various ways. There are 32 ways having a pet can lower stress levels, and 32 of the best emotional support animal breeds.
In summary, pets play a crucial role in supporting the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals by providing comfort, emotional support, and reducing the adverse effects of social stigma and isolation. The survey results underscore the importance of pets as valuable companions for the LGBTQ+ community.
- The survey results demonstrate the significance of pets in enhancing the mental health and wellness of the LGBTQ+ community.
- Pets offer LGBTQ+ individuals emotional stability and unconditional companionship, which can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and stress.
- Studies have shown that pets can positively impact mental health by lowering blood pressure, decreasing cortisol levels, and boosting happiness.
- Among the LGBTQ+ community, pets are particularly vital as a source of emotional support, especially for transgender individuals during challenging times.
- Pets can help reduce loneliness by facilitating new connections and friendships, as observed in over a third of the surveyed LGBTQ+ pet owners.
- Apart from reducing stress and promoting emotional bonding, pets can also provide a sense of purpose for many LGBTQ+ individuals.
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