Mental Ilness *Depression*

Mental Illnesses
To start with I'm going to investigate depression as a mental illness that can benefit from animal assisted therapy. According to Smith et al (2012) "depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms". Symptoms that I have identified are:

Isolation-from friends and family

Decrease in their eating habits- they may eat less or nothing at all

Lack of concentration - unable to hold a conversation because their mind is elsewhere

Changes in their mood – may be angry or overly sad about their outlook on life

Lack of energy and fatigue – they may not want participate in any activities of daily living because they have no energy

This may be due to lack of sleep – they could have irregular sleeping patterns

Reduced participation in hobbies or sports

Lack of self-care – not taking a shower every day, the house may become extremely messy

There are multiple treatment options for those who suffer from depression. The individual themselves who suffer from depression can choose what path they want to follow. Treatments such as psychotherapy (talking therapy), medicines, and alternate therapies-relaxation, yoga, acupuncture and massage can be used in conjunction for treatment. For this blog animal assisted therapy will be the topic of discussion.

LaJoie (2003) had stated from her review findings that there were numerous definitions and mixed terms used when discussing animal-assisted therapy. To make a key definition from these numerous other definitions the Delta Society based in the USA had established a term that could be used widely (as cited in Kruger & Serpell, 2010, p.34). Delta Society defined animal assisted therapy (AAT) as "a goal directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialised expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession. Key features include: specified goals and objectives for each individual: and measured progress"(p.34).
This means that only those health professionals who are qualified can apply AAT with patients. Through researching AAT I had discovered that there was another element and component called animal assisted activities (AAA) which was also refined by the Delta Society as a less structured and typically consists of predominately pet visitation. It provides opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life. AAT can also be used by health professions and also requires a lot of volunteers to drive this type of therapy.