Animals have an incredible ability to heal from trauma, depression, and PTSD much more quickly than humans. While the healing process for animals may vary by species, several common factors contribute to their ability to recover more swiftly from psychological and physical wounds. These factors range from their natural coping mechanisms to evolutionary biology, which favors quick recovery to ensure survival in a harsh environment.
1. Instinctual Resilience
Animals are hardwired to quickly recover from traumatic events, as their survival often depends on it. Unlike humans, who have a tendency to dwell on negative experiences, animals focus more on the present moment. For instance, when a deer experiences a traumatic event like escaping from a predator, it may freeze or flee momentarily but will quickly resume grazing afterward. This “in the moment” behavior is crucial for survival and reduces the mental and emotional toll of traumatic experiences. In contrast, humans tend to ruminate on negative experiences, leading to prolonged trauma and depression.
2. Physical and Emotional Regulation
Animals’ brains and bodies are designed for rapid physical healing and emotional regulation. When animals experience stress, their bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. However, the levels of cortisol and other stress chemicals quickly return to baseline after the event. This rapid regulation ensures that animals can continue functioning and healing without prolonged stress. In contrast, human bodies often experience chronic stress, and it can take months or years for the stress response system to return to normal, particularly in the case of PTSD.
3. Social Support Systems
Many animals, particularly herd or pack species, benefit from the support of their social groups in healing. For example, elephants and dolphins are known to comfort and support one another after a traumatic event. Social bonding plays a key role in emotional healing, and animals benefit from being part of a group that provides comfort and security. In humans, while social support is also beneficial, societal and cultural factors sometimes hinder people from seeking or receiving help, delaying healing from trauma.
4. Lack of Complex Cognitive Reflection
Humans have a highly developed prefrontal cortex, which allows for complex reasoning and planning, but it also makes us more susceptible to overthinking and rumination. When faced with trauma, depression, or PTSD, humans often engage in negative thought patterns that exacerbate the emotional toll. Animals, on the other hand, have less complex cognitive processes. They are not inclined to replay traumatic events over and over in their minds, and thus they avoid the prolonged mental anguish that often accompanies human trauma recovery.
5. Inherent Ability to Let Go
Animals have a natural ability to let go of the past. They do not hold grudges or carry the burden of past trauma, allowing them to move forward with their lives. In contrast, humans often find it challenging to move past negative experiences, especially when they are traumatic. This tendency can delay recovery from both physical and psychological wounds.
Conclusion
The difference in how animals and humans heal from trauma, depression, and PTSD highlights the impact of biology, behavior, and social dynamics. While animals’ instincts, rapid physical recovery, and support from social groups allow them to heal faster, humans face complex emotional and cognitive challenges that can slow the healing process. Understanding these differences can inform human approaches to healing, emphasizing the importance of focusing on emotional regulation, social support, and reducing rumination in order to foster quicker recovery from trauma.