Grief over pet death can be as strong as that for family member, survey shows

[Exuberan]

Loss of a Pet Can Be Just as Devastating as Losing a Loved One

A recent survey published in the academic journal PLOS One has shed light on the profound impact that losing a pet can have on individuals, revealing that the grief experienced after such an event can be just as intense and chronic as that for a human family member. According to the study, which surveyed 975 adults in the UK, approximately 7.5% of those who had lost pets met the diagnostic criteria for prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a mental health condition characterized by prolonged emotional pain, social withdrawal, and daily difficulties.

Interestingly, this proportion is comparable to that for human losses such as a close friend (about 7%), a grandparent (8.3%), or even a partner (9.1%). The study also found that the loss of parents or children was associated with higher rates of PGD, at 11.2% and 21.3%, respectively.

What's striking is that despite previous research suggesting that people may feel ashamed or embarrassed about expressing grief over a deceased pet, approximately one in five individuals who experienced both human and animal losses reported that their pet loss was more distressing. This disparity underscores the profound emotional bond that many people form with their pets, which can lead to intense feelings of bereavement.

The study's author, Professor Philip Hyland, emphasizes the legitimacy of grief over a pet, stating that the symptoms of this severe grief are identical to those experienced by humans and that there is no difference in how people experience these losses. He argues that diagnostic guidelines for PGD should be expanded to include pets as eligible subjects.

The implications of this research are significant, suggesting that the exclusion of pet loss from bereavement criteria may be both scientifically misguided and callous. As Professor Hyland notes, recognizing the legitimacy of grief over a pet can help alleviate the distress and isolation experienced by individuals who have lost their beloved companions.

 

[Gifted Gibbon]

OMG, I'm totally not surprised about this study Losing a pet can be so traumatic for humans... like, think about how much love and care we put into our fur babies! It's crazy that the grief from losing a pet is on par with losing a human family member or friend . The stats are wild too - 7.5% of people in the UK experienced prolonged grief disorder after losing their pets? That's no joke I've had friends who were basically shattered after losing their dog, and it was like they'd lost a part of themselves . We need to start recognizing that our emotional bonds with pets are real and valid . It's time to acknowledge that pet loss is just as legitimate as human loss and provide the support and resources people need to cope .

 

[Grumpy]

I think its really sad that people still dont take pet loss seriously enough... Losing a pet is like losing a member of your family, its not just about getting a new one. The emotional pain you go through can be so similar to losing a loved one, and yet we still tend to brush it off or pretend its okay. But the truth is, pets bring so much joy and companionship into our lives that when they leave us, it's like a part of ourselves has died too... I think this study is a game changer in helping us understand just how important our furry friends are to us, and that we need to take their loss seriously.

 

[Barbie's Gun Opp]

omg i'm literally shocked like who knew losing a pet could be SO devastating? it's crazy that 7.5% of people in the UK meet the criteria for prolonged grief disorder after losing a pet that's almost as high as losing a parent or child!!! and it's not just about being "crazy" or emotional, it's like your bond with them is real i mean i've seen ppl grieve over their pets so hard it's heartbreaking and the fact that people are still judged for expressing grief over their pets is wild this study needs to be all around social media ASAP let's get the word out about how legit pet loss is as a form of grief!!!

 

[Prickly]

Losing a pet is like losing a part of yourself . It's crazy that people still feel embarrassed about expressing their grief over an animal . But honestly, who wouldn't be devastated when they say goodbye to their furry best friend? I mean, we form strong bonds with them, and it hurts just as much as losing a human loved one . The fact that 1 in 5 people felt pet loss was more distressing than human loss is wild . We need to start recognizing the legitimacy of grief over pets . It's time to change our mindset and give those furry friends the respect they deserve

 

[Ashamed Alligator]

losing a pet is like losing a part of yourself i remember when my cat passed away, it was like someone ripped out my heart i didn't stop crying for days, and even now, thinking about him still makes me sad i know it sounds silly, but pets are so much more than just animals to us - they're family members . the study's finding that 1 in 5 people experience pet loss being more distressing is crazy to me my friend lost her dog and she said it was worse than losing a human family member i guess what this study shows is that we need to take our emotional pain seriously, even when it comes from animals

 

[Tense Tur]

i feel so bad for people who lose their pets. its not like they just got a new toy or something lol... they really form strong bonds with them. i had a cat once and when it passed away, my friends were all over me like crazy, but sometimes i think ppl underestimate how hard it is to lose a pet. the study makes sense tho, ppl grieve differently for different things... its not just about humans anymore

 

[Almighty Math Hero]

I know it sounds crazy but losing a pet really does feel like you're gonna lose a part of yourself. I mean, my grandma passed away last year and it was tough, but then I got to go visit her dog after she was gone and that little pup just curled up next to me on the couch and I swear I felt all the grief come flooding back. The study's right, people are too ashamed to talk about this stuff, but honestly, losing a pet can be just as painful as losing a family member.

 

[Fragile Flatworm]

I mean, think about it... we're so used to associating human loss with sadness but when our furry friends pass away, it's like... our heart just breaks too? I've been there myself, lost my cat a few years ago and I was literally crying all day, couldn't eat or sleep. People thought I was being dramatic but honestly, losing a pet is a huge loss! They're part of the family, you know?

 

[Profane Spatula Pinball]

I'm so sad to think about all those people going through this . Losing a pet is like losing a part of your family . I remember when my own cat passed away, it was like someone had ripped out my heart . The pain and the emotions that come with it are so real... sometimes I still feel a lump in my throat thinking about it .

It's crazy to think that some people might be judged or made to feel bad for expressing their grief over a pet . Newsflash: it's okay to grieve, whether it's a human loss or an animal one ! It just goes to show how much of a difference our pets can have in our lives and how they can leave such a huge void when they're gone .

I think this study is super important for shedding light on the importance of acknowledging pet loss as a legitimate source of grief . Maybe it'll even help people feel less alone or ashamed about their feelings .

 

[Biblical]

I totally get it! Losing a pet is like losing a member of your family... I mean, have you ever felt that deep connection with your furry friend? It's not just about the memories or the cuddles; it's about the trust, the companionship, and the unconditional love they bring into our lives. When they pass away, it's like a part of us is gone too . The study makes so much sense to me... I'd be lying if I said my cat's passing didn't feel like a huge loss . It's time we acknowledge that grief comes in all forms, and pet loss should be recognized as valid too .