An emotional support animal (ESA) is any type of animal that confers therapeutic benefits to their owner. By offering comfort and companionship, these animals can help relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, supporting individuals in their day-to-day lives.
ESAs can be particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from mental health conditions and are often recommended by healthcare professionals as part of a patient’s treatment plan. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the mental health benefits these animals can offer patients, helping them on their journey to greater peace and emotional stability.
Provides Emotional Support
By being a constant and non-judgmental presence in their lives, ESAs can offer patients suffering from mental health issues a valuable means of companionship and emotional support.
This has been confirmed by studies that suggest that pets can provide benefits to individuals with mental health conditions through the intensity of their connection with their owners. The emotional support they offer their owners during times of crisis can help manage symptoms as they arise, highlighting the therapeutic function pets can play when it comes to mental health. If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition, you may qualify for an ESA letter which proves that an ESA is a recommended part of your treatment plan.
Eases Social Interactions
Many people with mental health conditions suffer from isolation and a lack of interaction with others. This may be due to social anxiety or other factors such as depression which can contribute to withdrawal from others.
Through activities such as play and exercise with their animals, pet owners can increase the likelihood of meeting others with similar interests. In this way, ESAs can help individuals go beyond their comfort zones in a natural and organic way, and provide them with greater opportunities to meet and socialize with others.
These interactions may lead to friendships and other positive relationships, helping individuals with mental health conditions build supportive connections that can enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
Provides Symptom Distraction
The responsibilities that come with pet ownership can also serve as a useful way to distract individuals from their symptoms. Whether it’s walking, playing, feeding or grooming, individuals with ESAs are required to focus their attention on caring for the needs of their pet rather than on negative or distressing thoughts.
The interactions they have with their pets and the affection they share can also alleviate many of their symptoms. According to research by Johns Hopkins Medicine, the act of simply petting a dog can reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.
This is highlighted by reports that 84% of patients with PTSD who were paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in their symptoms, while 40% were able to decrease their medications. In addition to reducing stress, their research also found that the social interaction between owners and their dogs also increased levels of oxytocin, an important ‘feel good hormone’.
The benefits ESAs can provide to patients are varied and profound, making these animals a powerful ally in enhancing their mental health and overall well-being.
