The Benefits of Emotional Support Animals
Anxiety is arguably the most common mental disorder observed by doctors.
It has affected nearly 30% of adults at some point in their lives.
Each person is different when it comes to soothing anxiety. Many people noticed their anxiety softening when an emotional support animal (ESA) was introduced to their lives.
Now, what is an emotional support animal? An emotional support animal is any domesticated animal that comforts individuals in times of uncertainty. This includes cats, dogs, mice, rabbits, birds, hedgehogs, rats, minipigs, ferrets, etc.
It’s important to note that emotional support animals and service animals are two different things. Service animals undergo training to perform tasks. In contrast, emotional support animals don’t have to undergo training because their presence alone completes the job.
The rest of this blog will explain the mental and physical benefits of having an emotional support animal.
Studies show that a person’s physical health can improve when they have an emotional support animal. Emotional support animals can help lower blood pressure, decrease respiration rates, and improve the capability of coping with pain. These physical benefits are especially helpful for those who are known to have panic attacks regularly. In general, emotional support animals will help you if you get easily stressed. Having such a faithful companion to be around will calm you down when your negative emotions try to overwhelm you.
Having an emotional support animal also has numerous benefits for your mental health. You will notice signs of loneliness decrease once you introduce an ESA into your life. Those who live alone and battle symptoms of depression and anxiety will find having an emotional support animal helpful. Emotional support animals are also of good use to people who have/are experiencing some type of trauma, because these pets will stay by your side when you deal with difficult situations. Emotional support animals will also reciprocate the love and care you give them. One will find a sense of purpose by just caring for an ESA. Not only can it be emotionally rewarding, but the animals will provide limitless love and companionship to you. Therefore, emotional support animals are very helpful in improving your lifestyle and calming down your anxiety or depression. Simply petting an animal will uplift your mood!
You may be wondering, “What’s the difference between having an emotional support animal and having a regular pet?” Genuinely, there is not much of a difference between an emotional support animal and a typical pet other than status. Just like people with an ESA, most pet owners are happier than people who don’t have pets. In fact, 87.3% of Americans were reported as happier than the average person solely because of owning a pet. Studies have also shown that pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than people who don’t own pets. These statements make sense because animals can reduce loneliness, elevate your atmosphere, and improve feelings of social support.
An emotional support animal can be a very worthwhile investment. You will notice a positive change in your lifestyle once you add an ESA into your life. Not only are emotional support animals calming and relaxing to be around, but they can also alleviate anxiety and loneliness, normalize your heart rate and blood pressure, minimize pain and stress, and enhance social interactions. Whether you suffer from major things like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, or from smaller things like loneliness or stress, an emotional support animal just may be the solution you need.
Written by Anya Gnanapragasam
