Emotional support animals are way different than regular pets. They are specifically for people who are going through some emotional distress like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, etc.
If you never had a pet or not a pet-lover, you can ask any pet-owner about how it is to live with a pet. They will tell you how delightful and soothing it is to know that there is a constant companion who sits back at home and wait for them to come back home, without being judgmental they give immense love. Likewise, having emotional support dogs, cats or any other animal will surely be therapeutic for you and will help you cope up with depression. Here are some major benefits that the emotional support animals have and why you must consider getting one:
Physical Health:
We cannot deny the fact that our physical well-being affects our emotional health to a greater extent. Having an emotional animal means that you would always be busy taking care of it or have to it for a walk which helps to increase the endorphins; a hormone that gives you the feelings of happiness and calmness. Moreover, it is a knowing fact that petting a dog, or a cat helps lowering down the blood pressure, which makes an emotional support animal the best way to destress yourself. Therefore, your physical wellness will surely have a positive impact on your mental health. The presence of a cute little furry creature is a treat for eye anyways.
Companionship:
Depression induces feelings of hopelessness and the person feels alienated and detached from the environment and people around you and the feelings of purposelessness are what worsens the situation even more. An emotional support animal can be the best support for you in that case. You can experience the unconditional love and the attention that it gives to you. Knowing that your animal is reliant on you for food or for going out gives you a purpose and meaning to live and work, which helps you regain your sense of responsibility and you gradually get connected to everything around. Just as medical marijuana doctors can suggest you the right amount of drug for you to heal, your mental health professional can suggest you a best companion for you!
Regaining Your Social-Self:
When people are going through depression, people might not understand your feelings and you might feel disconnected from them which can make it difficult to have a social life. An emotional support animal has the tendency to get you out of that self-imposed social isolation. You can regain the purpose of your life and the feelings of interconnectedness with your surroundings. an emotional support animal proves to be the best companion and you develop and healthy and safe bond with him. You can be yourself without the fear of being judged or rejected. Taking him out for a walk every day becomes part of your routine. If you have a dog, then you are more likely to become socialize because everyone loves dogs and many people might stop by to chat about yours or to adore them. Once you regain your confidence by chatting to strangers every day, you can come back to your social life. It increases your self-esteem which is helpful; in regaining your focus at work or in studies.
How to get an emotional support animal?
If you think that you need an emotional support animal, you will need a letter from your doctor which will make you eligible to have one. Keeping in mind your medical history and your symptoms, your mental health professional can suggest to you what to get or if it might be suitable for you to have an emotional support animal or not. Consult your doctor if you want one!
Emotional support animals can be a cure to many conditions associated with our mental health. They are effective for the treatment. Besides, other than being a source of therapy for you, they will let you experience true love and affection. Their positive vibes will make you happy and healthy and you will evolve as an individual too. their delightful presence will make you understand how to take care of the loved ones around you and how to love someone selflessly. Animals are the adorable creature that will always make you happy and their presence will have a positive impact on your health, be it a cat or a dog, they help you heal effortlessly.
Further reading – How to Keep PositiveÂ
