Animals can have mental health issues too. Laurel Braitman speaks about the similarities of human animal psychopathology.

 Laurel Braitman's inspiring Ted Talk explores similarities between human and animal psychopathology. It supports my belief that we are not that different! Laurel touches on many examples in this compelling presentation not only symptoms of emotional distress, but also of instinctive animal empathy at an interspecies level, that indeed confirms that the healing power of love, empathy and friendship are indeed boundless. One story mentioned is that of Brian.

Brian is a bonobo, born at a research facility, who was assisted with therapy and prescribed Paxil to help in his recovery from traumatic abuse. His trauma led to him self harming and he also found it difficult to integrate socially, after time when he began to feel better he saved his prescription and shared his Paxil with other Bonobos. Brian overcame his trauma, is now a dad and a leader of his bonobo group. Inspiring at so many levels.