Gemma Correll

June 27, 2021

I suffer from anxiety and depression. My dogs help to improve my mental — and physical — health every day. Scientists believe positive human-animal interaction is linked to a reduction of subjective psychological stress and an increase of oxytocin levels in the brain. Oxytocin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of love, trust and psychological stability. Living with pets has multiple benefits. Here are just a few that I experience every day.