The Comfort of a Wagging Tail: Resources Beyond Therapy Dogs to Support Your Mental Health

University life brings its fair share of challenges. Balancing academics, relationships, and personal growth can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face these challenges alone. At McMaster University, the Student Wellness Centre (SWC) and other services on campus are here to support you every step of the way.

You may be checking this out after attending one of our Therapy Dog Events. If you’ve attended events like Belly Rubs with Biscuit, you’ve likely experienced the calm and joy these furry friends bring. But did you know there is actually evidence that supports the benefits of therapy dogs?

The Science of Therapy Dogs: More Than a Wagging Tail

Yes, interacting with therapy dogs is heartwarming, but it also has proven physiological and emotional benefits:

• Calming the Nervous System: Spending time with therapy dogs reduces heart and breathing rates, helping you relax and de-stress (Science Daily, 2024).
• Boosting Feel-Good Hormones: Just 10 to 15 minutes of petting a therapy dog increases dopamine and oxytocin levels, fostering feelings of safety and connection for both humans and dogs (Morning Sign Out, 2019).
• Promoting Health: Petting and grooming therapy dogs can even support recovery from physical injuries and provide emotional support for conditions like depression (The Ottawa Hospital, 2021).
• Reducing Loneliness: Therapy dogs bring joy and companionship to individuals in clinical or stressful settings, breaking routines and creating moments of connection (The Ottawa Hospital, 2021).
• Transforming Environments: These animals foster trust, ease communication, and remind us that care is about connection, making them invaluable in clinical and academic spaces (The Ottawa Hospital, 2021).

These benefits are why therapy dog events have become an important part of student wellness center initiatives. But the support doesn’t stop there—our campus offers a variety of resources to help you and your peers thrive.

Resources to Support Your Mental Health

The Student Wellness Centre (SWC) and other campus services provide comprehensive support to address the diverse needs of McMaster students.

On-Campus Support Services

• Student Health Education Centre (SHEC): A peer-run service offering free health supplies, peer support, and referrals. SHEC focuses on holistic well-being, recognizing that wellness looks different for everyone.
• MSU Maccess: A service dedicated to creating a more inclusive campus for students with disabilities. Through advocacy and community-building events, Maccess supports students in navigating university life.
• MSU WGEN: A safer space for women and nonbinary individuals to connect, access resources, and participate in workshops and community events.
• MSU Pride Community Centre (PCC): A welcoming space for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, offering peer support, educational programming, and a community to belong to.

Online Resources and Crisis Support

• Good2Talk: A free, confidential service available 24/7 for post-secondary students in Ontario.
• Student Assistance Plan (SAP): A 24/7 service offering on-demand counselling, life skills coaching, legal advice, and more. Call or text 1-888-377-0002.
• Empower Me (Graduate Students): A flexible service providing support for mental health challenges, life coaching, and personal growth. Call 1-833-628-5589 to connect with a counsellor.
• Therapy Assistance Online (TAO): An online platform with self-help resources for managing mental health.

Helping Your Friends: Programs to Equip You for Support

Sometimes, supporting a friend or peer can feel overwhelming. The SWC offers specialized programs to help you feel confident in navigating difficult conversations and providing meaningful support:

• More Feet on the Ground (MFOTG): A training program that teaches students to recognize signs of mental health concerns, provide initial support, and refer peers to professional resources when needed.
• SafeTALK: A suicide prevention workshop that equips participants with practical tools to identify individuals at risk and connect them to life-saving resources.

These programs can aid in empowering you to make a positive difference in your peers’ lives while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Finding Support Has Never Been Easier

To make accessing these resources even more convenient, stickers with QR codes will soon be available across campus. These stickers will direct you to a platform where you can explore mental health tools, campus services, and events like Belly Rubs with Biscuit.

Remember, whether you’re petting a therapy dog, participating in a peer support session, or seeking professional help, support is always within reach. At McMaster, we’re committed to fostering a thriving, connected community where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued.

Visit the Student Wellness Centre today to explore these resources and take the first step toward better mental health. Together, let’s build a campus culture that prioritizes well-being and connection.

References

Morning Sign Out. (2019, July 16). Pet therapy: The science behind petting animals. University of California, Irvine. https://sites.uci.edu/morningsignout/2019/07/16/pet-therapy-the-science-behind-petting-animals/

Science Daily. (2024, March 13). Interacting with therapy dogs increases brainwaves associated with stress relief and concentration. ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/03/240313185025.htm

The Ottawa Hospital. (2021). Not just another furry face: The scientific benefits of therapy dogs. Healthy Tomorrows. https://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/en/healthy-tomorrows/not-just-another-furry-face-the-scientific-benefits-of-therapy-dogs/