If you're struggling with mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other mental health issues, your therapist or doctor might suggest the benefits of having an emotional support animal (ESA). In this article, we will discuss the benefits of emotional support animals, their specific actions that can have a direct impact on a person's mental health, and the different types of assistance animals.

The Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal is a pet that offers specific benefits to its owner. For people with depression, owning an ESA dog can provide a sense of purpose and motivation for other tasks. Similarly, those with anxiety disorders may find that the quiet comfort of an emotional support dog can help ease their anxious feelings. ESA can reduce symptoms and offer companionship.

Types of Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals don't have to be dogs, but most ESAs are dogs because they are easier to train and loyal to their owners. They have been shown to help people cope with symptoms of various mental illnesses, such as depression, bipolar disorder, social anxiety, GAD, panic disorders, adjustment disorders, PTSD, and agoraphobia. However, not every pet can be considered an ESA, as they must have the temperament to be a safe and dependable companion.

Specific Actions of Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs provide a calming presence, distract from anxious or circular thoughts, offer affection and cuddles, and encourage healthy physical activity, such as walking outside. They also provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment in caring for an animal that depends on you for its well-being.

Legal Protections for Assistance Animals

Different types of assistance animals have various forms of legal protection. Service dogs, for example, are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and permitted anywhere the owner is. Emotional support animals only have legal protection for policy exemptions under the Fair Housing Act, permitting ESAs to live in leased housing where their owner does, regardless of the property's pet policies.

Types of Service Dogs

Service dogs are specifically trained to perform a particular task for their owner. They help people with disabilities live more independently. Common types of service dogs include guide dogs, hearing or signal dogs, mobility dogs, and psychiatric service dogs (PSD).

PSDs and ESAs

Both PSDs and ESAs benefit people with mental illness, but only PSDs are covered under ADA protections. Unlike ESAs, a PSD may be needed if one or more disorder symptoms interfere with major life activities. They, therefore, have specific training, which can include reminding the owner to take medication, soothing during a panic attack, and detecting an imminent panic attack and following the owner's alert procedures.

Conclusion

Emotional support animals, including emotional support dogs, have been shown to provide specific benefits to people with mental health concerns. It's crucial to understand the distinction between ESAs and service dogs and their different legal protections. If you're considering getting an ESA letter online, talk to a licensed healthcare provider to determine if it's right for you and what type of animal would be best for your individual needs.