Anxious ‘Animals’

On average, 30% of adults will suffer a form of an anxiety disorder at some point in their lifetime. I believe that number is much higher because so many people try to mask their anxiety by self medicating using drugs, alcohol, and other substances. Therefore, I believe this issue is grossly underreported.

Did you know that animals display anxiety as well? I have found a couple anxious kindred spirits in animals. Let me start off by telling you that I have suffered from anxiety most of my life. It was not diagnosed until well into adulthood, but I remember fainting before an elementary school performance, and feeling terribly ill before exams and tests. In those days it was not openly spoken about in children, but that does not mean it was not prevalent. I currently have medication to help control flare ups, but I have noticed the issue getting worse as I age. Panic attacks in close spaces like airplanes and cars (I still love to travel) were key moments that told me it was not just ‘in my head’—I realized I needed professional help.

Well, one day while at the veterinarian for my dog Luna, I asked to have her paws checked for a possible skin infection because I noticed that sometimes she gnaws on her nails. The doctor informed me that it’s a response to anxiety. I don’t know why I was left feeling surprised since dogs experience a host of other ‘human’ emotions.

Recently, I was visiting a friend who is a bird lover. She has a very beautiful Eclectus parrot. I learned that this particular bird does not fly because he chewed off his wings. He too suffers from anxiety. Again, I was left shocked but suddenly felt as if I had found another kindred spirit in the ‘animal’ kingdom.

Are humans and animals so terribly different? This is mental health awareness month and I wanted to bring up these two examples as a way to shed light on anxiety, and other mental health issues. Still, people feel ashamed to tell their family and friends that they may need help, or even disclose that they are being treated for anxiety, or depression, or another mental health disorder. It is time that we realize that these issues can be hereditary or situational, therefore there should never be any shame in naming it aloud.

WE are not weaker, but have a strong emotional response to the world around us. Our strength is not a weakness. Stand by your strength by talking about it freely. Help others feel less shame by being open. The greatest things in human history have come from minds, and souls, that have experienced some form of mental health disorder. Maybe it is time to change the language around this issue. It may be less of a disorder and more of a human trait for some. It may very well be a trait in humanity and animals alike, akin to bravery, fear, shyness, sadness, and happiness. So, think of Luna—the teacup poodle—and Mango the parrot the next time you may feel shy about revealing your anxious feelings.