Emotional support animals are pets that have a positive effect on people who suffer from anxiety, depression, chronic medical conditions and disabilities. In many cases, the presence of an animal helps to reduce stress and increase feelings of security. They are one of the medically-proven ways to deal with mental health issues.
But before you decide to bring an emotional support animal (ESA) into your life, it's imperative that you comprehend what they are and how they can assist you. This article outlines all of the pertinent details about ESAs, such as the advantages they can provide and the factors you should take into consideration prior to getting one as a pet.
Benefits of Emotional Support Animals
Some of the benefits of having an emotional support animal include:
Having an emotional support animal reduces stress and anxiety
Using medication for stress and anxiety often comes with side effects. If you are looking for a way to manage your stress without medication, interacting with animals can help, as it stimulates the brain to release chemicals that make us feel happy, like serotonin and dopamine, while reducing the hormone cortisol which is associated with stress. You can interact with animals by simply taking walk in the park and feeding squirrels or pigeons who are interested in bread crumbs or nuts. Owning and caring for a cat or dog can also help with your anxiety. Your physical health also tends to benefit from the trend of everyday walks with your dog or cat.
2. Emotional support animals give you a sense of purpose
The feeling of hopelessness that often comes as one of the major symptoms of depression can easily be avoided or reduced by being responsible for something other than yourself. An emotional support animal or pet can easily fit into this requirement. Knowing that there is a creature out there that is always happy to see you or depends on you for survival can add to the running list of things that make you feel seen or relevant.
3. They provide comfort and companionship
Emotional support animals provide a kind of companionship that is different from what humans can offer. They shower you with unconditional love and help you live in the moment. Just watching squirrels or chipmunks run around in the park, a fish swim around in its tank or a dog running back and forth to fetch a ball can be a source of comfort for you.
Things to Consider Before Getting an Emotional Support Animal
If you are searching for an ESA for yourself, you may be wondering what to look for. There are a few things you should keep in mind before getting one.
First, it is important to consider your own reasons for getting an emotional support animal. If you’re unsure if an ESA would help you or someone you care about, it may be a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider first.
Doing research on what emotional support animal is best for you and how to care for it will make the transition easier.
It’s also a good idea to think about how your ESA will fit into your daily life and how you can be actively involved in their feeding and general well-being. Taking care of your emotional support animal's dietary needs is essential. Just like humans, animals have their own individual nutritional requirements. Additionally, ensure that your ESA always has access to fresh, clean water. Providing your pet with fun toys to play with, as well as comfortable bedding is also a great idea.
A well-treated pet can provide many benefits to those who suffer from anxiety or depression, but it’s important not to take advantage of them.
Lastly, make sure you follow all of your ESA vaccinations and checkups.
If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety or depression, reach out to a counselor for help.
To book a free no-obligation consultation with me to discuss the right way forward for you, give me a call at +1 832-389-1916.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know suffers from anxiety or depression, an emotional support animal may be a great way to help. They can provide a source of comfort and security for many individuals, and they can also help to reduce stress.
Note: Emotional support animals can be a great way to help people who are suffering from anxiety or depression, but they can’t fix these issues. It’s important to remember that the sooner you seek help, the better. It’s a great benefit for many people, but it can’t be used as a replacement for therapy and medical treatment.
Thejmore.com