Let’s face it, student life can get pretty busy with work, school, social events, sports and other commitments. And with all that we can’t forget the dreaded feelings of constant stress that comes along with it. Students are feeling more and more pressured to not only succeed in academics, but to live up to all other expectations in other aspects of their lives, such as making sure to keep up with their social life and any other extra curricular activities like sports. It is no wonder that mental health has become a top uprising issue in students.
I know you’re probably thinking it is much easier said than done, but what if I told you that universities are making it a little easier for students to have access to free, on-campus resources to help deal with some of these mental health issues, such as acute stress? And this is where our furry friends come in! Let’s be real here, what human on this planet wouldn’t love to cuddle up with a cute furry four-legged friend after a stressful day of classes and school? Ha, that’s actually a trick question because we all know you’re not human if you answered “no” to that question! Okay but in all seriousness, this increased pressure felt by students to not only be successful in academics, but to also carry out a balanced healthy lifestyle is causing higher rates of depression, anxiety and stress in students. Doggy de-stress events are becoming increasingly popular at post secondary institutions everywhere and studies have confirmed its positive results in helping to decrease a students’ stress levels in only a fifteen-minute session. Schools have been increasing frequency of puppy therapy sessions during exam periods as it is common for students to have the highest levels of stress during this particular time. We have an animal that craves attention and students that love to give their attention to these animals; a perfect example mutualism, or in other words a “win-win” event for both parties. This event continues to grow in popularity as it provides a calm, stress-free environment for students to relieve some of this stress and anxiety.
Although there’s still a lot of stigma around mental illness, clubs around university campuses are starting to create a better environment for individuals so they feel like they are not alone dealing with it all. I would definitely urge each and every one of you reading this to at least try to experience a puppy de-stress session. It is amazing how fifteen minutes can really change your mood! Although the reality for many university students can be pretty harsh at times, you should always try to squeeze in some time to wind down and relax.
Check out this great link to an article below:
http://sophia.stkate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1152&context=msw_papers
Rashmeen Kambo