How does your pet support your mental health?

An American Psychiatric Association poll last year found that "Americans’ furry friends offer many mental health benefits." In the poll, 86% of those surveyed credited their pet, mostly a dog or cat, for helping them have a positive attitude. The study found that pets help reduce stress and anxiety, provide unconditional love and support, offer companionship, provide a calming presence and are true friends.

May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, and we would like to hear from readers about how they deal with stressors in their lives. Your suggestion could help someone who may be struggling.

Send a picture with your pet to [email protected], along with a 250-word comment about how your pet supports your mental health. Please include your first and last name, the city where you live, the name of your pet and your contact information, for verification purposes. We will publish photos and comments in an edition of Viewpoints during the month of May.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Send photos, comments of how your pet helps support your mental health