
đž 5 Ways My Dog Helped My Mental Health
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In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week đ
Mental Health Awareness Week always makes me pause and think about how far Iâve come - and how much one special rescue dog helped me through it.
When I went through a rough patch a couple years ago, panic arrived like an uninvited guest that wouldnât leave. It came in waves, sometimes so strong I felt trapped in my own body. My world suddenly became smaller, quieter, and full of fear.
I already had Vienna then. Sheâd been part of my life for a while, my shadow, my little sidekick, my best mate. But during that time, her role changed. She became my lifeline in ways I didnât expect.
Here are five ways she helped me find my way back to myself.
1. Routine That Kept Me Steady
When your mind is in chaos, routine can be the thing that holds you together. Vienna didnât understand panic, she just knew it was breakfast time, or walk time, or time for bed.
That simple structure was grounding when everything else felt out of control. I didnât have to decide what to do, Vienna decided for me. And every time I showed up for her, I ended up showing up for myself too.
2. Movement Without Pressure
Exercise is one of the best natural mood boosters, but when youâre struggling mentally, it can feel impossible to start. Walking Vienna didnât feel like âexerciseâ, it felt like quality time. The fresh air, sunshine, and gentle movement helped me clear my head and reconnect with my body.
3. Connection Without Words
Thereâs something healing about unconditional love - no judgment, no expectations. When my anxiety was at its worst, Vienna would curl up beside me, rest her head on my lap and just be there, like she was saying, Iâm here. Youâre okay. That quiet companionship reminded me that I wasnât alone - even when my brain tried to convince me otherwise.
4. Learning to Be in the Moment
Panic lives in âwhat ifs.â What if it happens again? What if I canât cope? But dogs, they donât do what ifs. They only do now.
Watching Vienna chase tennis balls into the waves or do a 'big stretch' in the sun pulled me back into the present. She became my mindfulness teacher without even knowing it - reminding me that this moment, right here, is okay.
5. Finding Purpose Again
When youâre deep in panic, itâs easy to lose your sense of purpose. Vienna gave me one - in the simplest, most grounding ways. Feed her. Walk her. Love her.
Over time, those little acts of care grew into something bigger. Oh Vienna was born from that - from wanting to pour that same love and comfort into something meaningful.Â
đŹ This Mental Health Awareness Week
If youâve ever been through something similar - panic, depression, burnout, whatever it looks like for you - I see you.
Take the walk. Breathe the fresh air. Hug your dog a little tighter.
Sometimes healing doesnât come in grand gestures. Sometimes it looks like a quiet morning, a wagging tail, and the soft reminder that youâre still here - and thatâs enough.
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P.s. How cute is Ella-Bella! I'm lucky that my Psychologist has the sweetest unofficial therapy dog that can come along to sessions!
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