The Pets Episode with Leila & Rhys

The Heavy Mental Podcast

This week’s theme is all about: PETS. Specifically, how having a pet affects your mental health.

Both Leila and I have had dogs in the past and those of you who’ve followed a little while will know that we recently rescued a dog from Romania. A handsome chap named ‘Leon’.

We talk about our experience so far with Leon and the adoption process.

We talk about our own experience having dogs (and cats) in the past, and how this has been a source of support for us through the years for our mental health.

We talk about the responsibility and sense of routine that comes when having an animal, and how in turn, this has a positive affect on our mental health.

We talk about the soothing presence an animal can have by just being around and hanging out with them — there’s nothing more comforting than watching your pet asleep by the fire.

We also chat about how our pets mirror our energy and can offer us support when we most need it — what we give to them, they give back in abundance, as well as the fact that they make us laugh so much! They can really help take the edge off a bad day.

We talk about how especially now, our animals help us from getting lonely. Because anybody with a pet knows, you’re never alone when you have them!

We also chat what lessons we can learn from animals, in that they’re more in tune with nature than we are. Something human beings appear to have lost somewhere along the way!

Thematically, we also cover:

Responsibility, routine, mindfulness, depression, being present, stress, caring for others, therapy, the bond between animals and humans,

And Leila’s now retired career as a writer for the stage!?

Anyway, please enjoy our chat, all about PETS.

------

If you're not already following us on Instagram, what're you waiting for!?