Rethink Mental Illness: ‘I rescued her and she rescued me’ – the dogs, cats and ducks supporting mental health
After asking their supporters to tell them about the pets that have helped their mental health, the charity Rethink Mental Illness has been inundated with tales of the most supportive cats, dogs, ducks and even guinea pigs in the UK.
Staff at charity were taken aback by the huge response to ‘mental health pet of the year 2013’, the first ever competition of its kind. Within hours of announcing it on social media, hundreds of people started sharing photos of their pets and stories of how they had helped them.
Chris Cox, Digital Communications Manager for Rethink Mental Illness said: “We put a post up about it on facebook and twitter and the response was overwhelming. What started out as a bit of fun, quickly turned into something really moving. People were telling us how their pets had kept them going, even through the darkest aspects of mental illness.”
Vicki Cook who nominated her dog Poppy said: “I adopted her from a rescue centre at the lowest point in my life. At the time, I was self-harming and suffering from depression. Poppy has grown no end in confidence and mine has grown with it.
“Four years since I adopted her, I'm a different person now too, in full time work, and have just moved in with my partner who has been equally supportive since I met her three years ago. It is so nice to just be able to enjoy living. I don't know where I would be today without Poppy. I rescued her, and in return she rescued me.”
Jane Hughes, Director of Campaigns and Communications for Rethink Mental Illness said: “It might seem like an odd thing for a mental health charity to be getting involved with but at Rethink Mental Illness, we like breaking new ground. And there are closer connections between pets and mental illness than many people realise. There’s a lot of scientific evidence about the health benefits of owning pets. They can make you feel better about yourself, help with feelings of loneliness and encourage exercise. And the unconditional affection pets have for their owners can be incredibly healing.
“One leading mental health hospital in Switzerland has a dog on every unit to help patients feel calmer and less tense. It’s one of the examples of good mental health care highlighted by the Schizophrenia Commission, in their report last year.”
A winner will be picked later this week.
ENDS
For photos of some of the entries, please contact Rachel Whitehead, News and Media manager, Rethink Mental Illness on 2027 840 3138 or email rachel.whitehead@rethink.org
Notes to editors
Entries included:
1. Barry the Mexican salamander. Owner Marisa says: “I can never ever be sad with this chap's smiling face to look at!”
2. Poppy the dog. Owner Vicki says: “I adopted her from a rescue centre at the lowest point in my life. At the time, I was self-harming and suffering from depression. Four years since I adopted her, I'm a different person. I rescued her, and in return she rescued me.”
3. Blue the Dog. Owner Damone says: “She gives me a reason to get up in the morning, her unconditional love soothes me when I am feeling low and she keeps me grounded. Taking her out for walks is also very beneficial to me, seeing her happy gives me a great sense of pride. I could not imagine life without her.”
4. Albert the Cat. Owner Katrina says: “We've had him since he was six weeks old and when I wake up feeling low he is always there without fail, he keeps me company throughout the day. He is very noisy and always up to no good but he has made my day to day life much better, I love taking care of him and he seems to not mind taking care of me.”
5. Dolly and George the cats: Owner Chloe says: “I rescued these two when they were tiny, keeping them safe and alive gave me a reason to stay alive.”
6. Rosa the cat. Owner Francis says: “Rosa, my 16 year old gorgeous teddy bear of a cat is totally blind and deaf but has the sweetest nature. When I'm feeling down, overwhelmed or as though the world is against me, I look at her, I stroke her, she purrs immediately and I'm reminded that even in her dark and silent world, she is content.”
7. Sharon and Spencer the ducks. Owner George says: “I got them a few years back, quite frankly by accident, didn't even really want ducks before hand. But building a pen and a pond for these two got me outdoors and active again after some pretty rough times, and watching them waddle across the garden looking for slugs or worms is the perfect entertainment and relaxation at the same time. Whenever I have a nasty day (and it's not raining) I will often be outside sharing a quick word with these two and seeking their advice.”
8. Milo the dog. Owner Hans says: “I got him just before I experienced my lowest time and he always makes me feel better.”
9. Mr Barnes the cat. Owner Mole says: “You’ve got to laugh, he’s a tonic.”
10. Poppy the dog. Owner Kerry says: “When I feel low I just need to look at her mischievous wee face and I cant help but smile. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.”
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
For more information go to www.rethink.org
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