Back in 2018, I created a documentary for my final university dissertation about Emotional Support Dogs and how they've been helping people... and the frustrating lack of support from the government.
During my research, I spoke to several people who shared their powerful stories about how their dogs provided them with a sense of security and emotional stability, especially those dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
These dogs were more than just pets; they were apparent lifelines, giving these people comfort and reducing isolation during their toughest moments. For many, the bond they shared with their emotional support animals was life-changing.
At the time I didn't consider it "official", but looking back, my rabbit, Apollo, was my emotional support animal after a horrendous year for my mental health back in 2017. He really was a ray of light that helped pull me out of the dark that I'd found myself in.
But, don't just take my word for it! Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) – what are they, and do they actually help people with their mental health? You’ve probably heard of them, maybe even seen someone with a pet they claim is their “emotional support.” But are ESAs really as essential as some make out, or is it just a bit of a trend that people are jumping on?
At their core, Emotional Support Animals are pets that offer comfort and emotional stability to their owners. Unlike service animals (like guide dogs), ESAs aren’t specially trained to perform specific tasks like helping someone cross the road or alerting to medical issues. Instead, they’re there for one simple reason: to be a source of emotional support.
If you’re struggling with things like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, an ESA can provide a sense of safety and companionship just by being there. It’s almost like having a non-judgmental friend who can help ease the burden on tough days. The most common types of ESAs are dogs and cats, but really, any animal can technically become an ESA as long as it provides emotional comfort.
Dogs are becoming a common sight in places like universities, hospitals, and care homes, where they’re making a real difference to people’s well-being. In universities, for example, therapy dogs are often brought in during stressful times, like exams or deadlines, to help students relax and reduce anxiety. Just spending a few minutes with a dog can be a great way to take a break from the pressure and reset mentally, making it easier to focus when it's time to get back to studying.
In hospitals, therapy dogs provide emotional support to patients, helping to lift their spirits during tough treatments or long stays. They’re a welcome distraction, offering comfort, companionship, and a sense of calm in an otherwise stressful environment. Many patients, especially those who are in for extended stays, look forward to these visits, as they can really help ease feelings of loneliness and worry. The same goes for care homes, where therapy dogs brighten up the day for elderly residents, particularly those dealing with isolation or dementia. The presence of a dog can bring joy, spark memories, and help residents feel more connected.
What’s even more amazing is the physical benefits these dogs bring. Just petting a dog can help lower blood pressure and reduce stress levels, helping people feel more relaxed and at ease. Overall, therapy dogs are providing emotional support and a sense of calm in some of the most high-stress environments, showing just how powerful the bond between humans and dogs can be.
Well, actually, they can! While dogs are the most commonly used therapy animals, other animals can also be effective in providing emotional support and therapeutic benefits.
Cats: Known for their calming presence, cats provide comfort with their gentle purring and low-maintenance companionship, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
Rabbits: Gentle and affectionate, rabbits can offer emotional support through their quiet, calming nature, making them ideal for those seeking a more low-key animal.
Guinea Pigs: Small and social, guinea pigs provide soothing sounds and companionship, especially for children or elderly individuals who may prefer a smaller pet.
Birds: Social birds like parrots can brighten moods with their songs and playful personalities, offering companionship and emotional support.
Horses: Used in equine therapy, horses can help with emotional healing, offering calmness and confidence, particularly for individuals with PTSD or anxiety.
Fish: Watching fish swim can lower stress and improve mood, making aquariums a calming addition to therapeutic settings.
Setting aside my own experience, and the countless people who claim their pets have helped their mental health immensley, there are even celebrities who have spoken about using Emotional Support Animals:
Halle Berry: The Oscar-winning actress has been open about her struggles with anxiety and has shared how her dog, a pit bull named "Poppy," serves as an emotional support animal. Berry has mentioned that Poppy helps her cope with stress and gives her emotional comfort.
Lady Gaga: The singer and actress has spoken extensively about her mental health, including her battle with PTSD. Lady Gaga’s French Bulldog, named "Asia," has been her emotional support companion, providing comfort and emotional grounding during difficult times.
Miley Cyrus: The singer and actress has shared that her dog, "Bean," helped her cope with anxiety. Bean provides emotional comfort, especially during moments of heightened stress or pressure.
Adele: The British singer has mentioned in interviews how her emotional support dog helps her cope with stress and mental health struggles. Her dog provides a sense of calm during difficult emotional times.
Michael Phelps: The Olympic swimmer has been candid about his struggles with depression and anxiety. He has spoken about his emotional support dog, which provides comfort and companionship to help him manage his mental health.
If you're struggling with a mental health condition that’s affecting your daily life, an ESA can really make a difference. But before you rush off to get an animal, here are a few things to think about:
Talk to a Professional: If you think an ESA could help, it’s important to chat with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist first. Getting a pet is a huge commitment that should not be taken lightly.
If you have a mental health condition that qualifies as a disability, you could be eligible to a Psychiatric Assistance Animal.
Choose the Right Animal: Not all animals are cut out for the job. You need to pick one that you do, or could, have a strong bond with, whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, or even something a bit more unusual. The key is that the animal provides comfort and emotional support. Usually, an ESA is an animal you already know or have!
Know Your Rights: Remember, ESAs don’t have the same rights as service/assistance animals. You will face restrictions when it comes to public spaces or housing. Be prepared to have open conversations with landlords or service providers about why your ESA is important to your mental health.
Emotional Support Animals can be a huge help for people struggling with mental health issues, offering comfort and emotional stability. But they’re not a magic fix, and they don’t come with automatic legal rights like service animals do!
Looking after your mental health is so important, and for some, myself included, an ESA can be a valuable part of that journey.