The Role that Pets play in Recovery of PTSD for NDIS Participants
Did you know around 3 million Australians suffer from PTSD at some time in their lives?
What is PTSD? PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A disorder characterised by the mind and body experiencing difficulty in recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.
Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety or depressed mood.
Pets can play a crucial role in the recovery of individuals with (PTSD), particularly for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Through their unwavering companionship and support, pets provide emotional and therapeutic benefits that aid in the healing process.
Emotional Support and Companionship: Pets, such as dogs or cats, offer unconditional love and emotional support to their owners. For individuals with PTSD, who often experience feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety, the presence of a pet can be immensely comforting. Pets provide a sense of companionship and non-judgmental understanding, which helps to alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation commonly associated with PTSD.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Engaging with pets has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels. Activities like petting, cuddling, or playing with a pet can release endorphins and lower cortisol, a stress hormone. NDIS participants with PTSD can benefit from the calming effect pets provide, which can help to regulate their emotional state and promote a sense of relaxation.
Physical Activity and Recreation: Pets, particularly dogs, require regular exercise and outdoor activities. This can encourage NDIS participants with PTSD to engage in physical activity and recreation, leading to improved overall well-being.
Walking or playing with a dog, for instance, not only promotes physical fitness but also exposes individuals to nature and encourages social interactions with other pet owners, fostering a sense of community. Organisations such as PetCloud, offer dog-friendly NDIS Funded Community and Social Recreation
PetCloud also offers 100% NDIS-funded ancillary pet care while your are receiving treatment in hospital, however, it does have some dependencies. Contact PetCloud’s friendly team for a free, no-obligation quote.
Finding, connecting and managing supports can be time-consuming and daunting at times. For this reason, we highly recommend Psychosocial Participants involve a Support Coordinator, who will work with you over the course of your NDIS plan, making sure you have the best supports for your needs, resolving issues and supporting you to achieve your goals.
Psychiatric Treatment Support: Pets can also complement psychiatric treatment for PTSD. Therapy animals, trained to provide specific support to individuals with mental health conditions, can be incorporated into treatment plans. These animals undergo specialized training to assist with anxiety management, grounding techniques, and emotional regulation.
Their presence during therapy sessions can enhance the therapeutic process and facilitate a safe and trusting environment for NDIS participants.
Sense of Responsibility and Purpose: Caring for a pet creates a sense of responsibility and purpose in an individual’s life. NDIS participants with PTSD can benefit from the routine and structure that comes with taking care of a pet. Feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet provide a sense of meaning and accomplishment, contributing to a positive self-perception and increased self-esteem. PetCloud is one organisation who welcomes individuals in an advanced stage of recovery from PTSD to become a Pet Sitter or a Dog Walker.
Through pets emotional support, reduced anxiety and stress, promotion of physical activity, and assistance in psychiatric treatment, pets provide a multitude of benefits for individuals navigating the challenges of PTSD.
Incorporating pets into the lives of NDIS participants can contribute to their overall well-being, aid in their recovery journey, and enhance their sense of community and purpose.
