Story by and photos courtesy of SYDNEY PRUETT, LPC

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring attention to an urgent public health issue. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 49,000 people dying by suicide in 2023 alone, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Although it is a difficult topic to confront, it is a necessary one to discuss. Talking about suicide prevention can help to decrease stigma and normalize mental health conversations. In doing this, we can bring awareness to mental health concerns and treatment and increase visibility of resources for those who need them. 

In addition, suppressing emotions and avoiding talking or thinking about difficult topics doesn’t make the problem go away. In fact, research shows that it often makes things worse, potentially leading to more emotional and physical symptoms. Therefore, it’s vital to seek help and care for one’s mental health.

How Pets Can Benefit Mental Health

Caring for pets doesn’t just help them; it can do wonders for a person’s mental health too. The National Institutes of Health list multiple potential health benefits of pet ownership. Some of these are measurable, like lower cortisol (aka the “stress hormone”), decreased blood pressure and increased serotonin. Pets can also help with improved mood, empathy, companionship and decreased loneliness. Caring for an animal also promotes necessary life skills, such as structure and routine, social skills, learning to care for others, grounding and focus. 

Pet adoption is a big decision that can provide big benefits! Consider fostering or adopting from a local shelter. There are many shelters with animals in need, including OKC Humane, Safe Haven Animal Rescue, Pooch Carriage Crew, Pets and People, Forever Yours, Free to Live Animal Sanctuary and more! In adopting a pet, you can save a life.

As a therapist, I have seen how pet ownership has benefited many of my clients, supporting them through lonely moments, giving them reasons to get out of the house and coming over to cuddle when my clients are upset. But I’ve also seen these benefits on a personal level! My own three dogs have improved my mental health for years. My Pitt/Collie mix, Lily, is my best friend and provides unconditional love. My anxious Australian Shepherd mix, Padfoot, shows me how to be sensitive to the worries of others. My Toy Poodle, Olive, is blind and teaches me how to care for those who have different needs. 

Curious how others experience the healing bond between humans and animals, I invited pet owners to reflect on how their pets help them cope with life’s challenges. Their responses were heartfelt and deeply personal. These are some of their stories:

“My snakes are one of the most important ways I express my creativity. Caring for them and dreaming about new, beautiful snakes I could have in the future gives me something to look forward to even when everything else around me is in chaos.” — Jacob Grimm

“My dog, Mocha, senses the slightest emotional elevation and will put her paw on our hearts!” — Melissa Coast

“My goofy cat, Luna, has been the ultimate emotional support gremlin. Her daily chaos, sass and unexpected cuddles never fail to lift my mood and remind me to laugh even on the hardest days.”
— Sami Baetz

“My horses are so intuitive and sensitive to my emotions, and they’ve helped me through some of my toughest times. I love going to see them and seeing their excited expressions when I walk in the barn. They’re the most incredible animals, and I feel privileged to be in their presence and to learn from them.”
— Amber Hopfer

If You Need Help

While pets can help benefit mental health, pet ownership alone is not a cure or treatment for mental health concerns. There are resources and professionals available if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health symptoms or thoughts of suicide.

If you need support, the 988 Lifeline is available 24/7. At any time, you can call or text 988, and someone will be available to speak with you. The lifeline also has a live chat option on its website, 988lifeline.org.

Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) is an evidence-based approach to treating clients who experience thoughts of suicide. You can find more information and CAMS-trained providers at CAMS-Care.com.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (2024) has a free, downloadable digital toolkit available with more information, and their website lists resources for finding support. 

You can also talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) about therapy options in your area. There are agencies, school counselors, private therapy practices, psychologists and other options, both virtual and in person. Your PCP can guide you in finding the mental health care option that is right for you.

Asking for support is a brave first step. Remember that mental healthcare is part of healthcare. It is valid to struggle, but there is hope and help available. 

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Help is just a call or click away. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, the following resources are available.  

988 Mental Health Lifeline

988 is a direct, three-digit lifeline that connects all Oklahomans with trained behavioral health professionals. It all starts when you call 988. You’ll be connected to a crisis specialist to talk you through what’s going on and get the resources you need for either yourself or your loved one.
For online help, visit 988oklahoma.com.

2-1-1 Oklahoma

211 is a 24/7 free service available to all Oklahomans across 77 counties operated by two nonprofit organizations: Heartline, Inc. for the western half of the state and the Tulsa Area United Way for the eastern half. Through a direct phone call, live chat, text message or online search, certified resource specialists in Oklahoma City and Tulsa connect people across the state who need help to the social services in their area. For online help, visit 211eok.org/211-oklahoma/.