A new study has revealed that the grief people experience after losing a pet is comparable to that of losing a family member, with many sufferers experiencing prolonged mental health issues.
Research published in PLOS One surveyed over 950 adults in the UK and found that nearly eight percent experienced what's known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD), also known as complicated grief.
This mental health condition can last for months or even years and is characterized by intense feelings of longing, despair, social withdrawal, and a sense of loss of identity. It was previously only recognized in cases where people had lost human family members.
However, the study suggests that this may need to be expanded to include pet owners who have experienced the death of their beloved animals.
One in 12 cases of PGD reported in the UK were linked to the death of a pet due to the fact that many adults own pets and their lifespans are typically much shorter than those of humans.
The study's author, Professor Philip Hyland, argues that these findings demonstrate that grief over a pet is not less legitimate than that for a human family member. He calls on guidelines for diagnosing PGD to be revised to include the death of pets as a valid risk factor.
Research published in PLOS One surveyed over 950 adults in the UK and found that nearly eight percent experienced what's known as prolonged grief disorder (PGD), also known as complicated grief.
This mental health condition can last for months or even years and is characterized by intense feelings of longing, despair, social withdrawal, and a sense of loss of identity. It was previously only recognized in cases where people had lost human family members.
However, the study suggests that this may need to be expanded to include pet owners who have experienced the death of their beloved animals.
One in 12 cases of PGD reported in the UK were linked to the death of a pet due to the fact that many adults own pets and their lifespans are typically much shorter than those of humans.
The study's author, Professor Philip Hyland, argues that these findings demonstrate that grief over a pet is not less legitimate than that for a human family member. He calls on guidelines for diagnosing PGD to be revised to include the death of pets as a valid risk factor.
but seriously, i mean, it's not like people weren't already aware of how much we love our furry friends 
and now they're saying that our grief can be just as intense as losing a human family member? no cap. i've seen friends lose their pets and it was like watching them go through a war 
they were so depressed, so withdrawn... it's crazy to think that all those years ago we didn't even have the language to describe what people were going through 
. anyway, i'm glad this study is shining some light on it, but also kinda surprised that it took so long for us to acknowledge that our pets are more than just pets 
. People already feel awful when they lose their pets, now scientists are saying it's normal to go crazy too 
. I had my grandma pass away last year and then lost my dog 2 months later... the sadness just piled on, you know? It's not like I'm trying to make excuses for people who've lost loved ones or anything 
but come on, animals are part of our family too. We love them just as much as we love our humans 
.
. Losing a pet can feel like losing a part of your family, and it's no wonder they're experiencing prolonged grief disorder. I think it's time we acknowledge that the bond between humans and animals is just as strong and meaningful as our relationships with other humans.
On one hand, it's great that we're recognizing this as a legitimate mental health condition. But on the other hand, I do worry about over-broadening the definition of PGD - like, how do you even process the loss of a pet? It's not like they have emotions in the same way humans do... or do they? 
I mean, let's be real, it's not the same thing. Humans have emotions, relationships, and complexities that can't be replicated in a relationship with an animal. Sure, pets bring so much joy to our lives, but we know exactly what we're getting into when we adopt one - they don't live forever like human family members do 
. I've had my own experience with this... I know how hard it is to move on after losing a pet 
. It's like, they're part of the family, you know? 
I think it's amazing that research is showing that grief over pets can be just as real and debilitating as grief over humans 
. We need to recognize that our feelings are valid and deserving of support 
... people need to stop thinking its just your cat or dog that's grieving, it's YOU that's grieving too 
.
... we're so quick to medicate ourselves into happiness, forget what's real loss and trauma can do to us. I'm not saying don't own animals, they bring joy and companionship, but let's be honest, the bond we form with them is intense 
Don't get me wrong, it's heartbreaking to lose a pet, but do we really need 'guidelines' to tell us that's grief? Or are we just seeking validation for our emotions like we need a prescription? 
8% of people in the UK are struggling with this stuff - that's not insignificant. I hope these guidelines get revised ASAP so pet owners don't feel like they're being ignored or anything. After all, their pets' feelings are totally valid too 
.