Emotional Support Animals are the best type of therapy

Emotional Support Animals are a particular type of therapy for psychological disabilities. For example, I suffer from Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder.

In addition to being on medication, participating in psychotherapy, and having attendance accommodations, I’ve now just gotten approved for my Emotional Support Animal, and he’s the best type of therapy I’ve experienced:

They require time and love

A serious part of depression includes a lack of desire to leave bed, or sleeping too much/too little. I suffer from the former. Having an animal that is dependent on me is hugely effective in getting me out of bed each morning, when I might be tempted to never leave.

Additionally, it can really bring you out of your comfort zone to create a relationship with a completely new animal, especially a cat, since they can be hot and cold sometimes.

They are proven to reduce stress levels

While psychotherapy is incredible, it’s really difficult to beat the pure joy that arrives from playing with a furry friend. Moo in particular is very eccentric, and flops around all over the place. Being an RA, stress packs on pretty quickly, so I’m really glad that he’s been a good stress reducer.

Emotional Support Animals make great friends

Moo just livens up any room that he’s in, it’s impossible to not notice him and immediately want to pet him. I do most of my homework in my room, so this has been a great arrangement.

They actually assist you with psychiatric issues 

Depersonalization/Derealization disorder can be extremely terrifying. I personally experience episodes of this daily, sometimes multiple times. Having an animal around that I can pet and play with helps ground me in the present when I feel as if I’ll float away.

Having an Emotional Support Animal provides constant support

This might sound a little odd, but having an Emotional Support Animal is really helpful to me because it helps me manage my issues (outside of therapy).

For example, I’ve previously had to take a few days’ leave for health reasons. I will actively attempt to prevent that in the future, because my cat needs me to be around, for companionship and for necessities.

It’s a really amazing feeling to see an animal get excited when I get home

Moo meows at me incessantly to give him attention, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

They can make the difference between someone’s well-being and a complete loss of control

An important thing that distinguishes Emotional Support Animals from regular pets is that they are prescribed by a mental health professional for a patient that needs one.

Within psychiatric disorders, there are categories of people that are highly functional and almost nonfunctional. To have a mental illness, the symptoms you experience must greatly affect several areas of your life: school, work, social, etc.

Think of it this way: for a disabled person, having an Emotional Support Animal is what helps them function at a level that will make them equal to their non-disabled peers. The process of acquiring an Emotional Support Animal is long and difficult for this exact reason, so that people can’t abuse it in order to bring an ordinary pet to campus.

Even though I adopted Moo solely to be my Emotional Support Animal, I can treat him as a member of the family like any pet-owner would, and that’s pretty great. He has the added bonus of being an integral part of my therapy.

Emotional Support Animals bridge the gap between psychotherapy and university

Being a full-time university student and also going through psychotherapy is very difficult, because you have to switch between your regular therapist over breaks and a new therapist during the semester. My Emotional Support Animal comes in handy to help quell any issues that may crop up because of the lessened ability to meet with a professional.

If you cannot afford a professional outside of Bucknell, the CSDC is a great place to start. If you need further help outside of that, or qualify for disability, register with OAR. The only thing registering does is help you. Plus, you may be able to cuddle a sweet animal as a part of your therapy.