Importance Of An Emotional Support Animal

Nowadays, Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can be seen more often. These companion animals are typically dogs or cats; they are assigned by medical professionals to assist individuals with a disability. There is a difference between ESA’s and a service animals; ESA’s – could be an emotional support dog or cat are present to provide therapeutic support through companionship, affection, and non-judgmental positive regard whereas a service dog is trained to perform tasks to bring benefit to an individual with a disability.

ESA’s may be used to help persons with a range of disabilities such as physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities. In order to have these emotional support animals prescribed to the individual, they must be able to verify their disability. Studies have shown that these support animals can help people diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD, Autism, depression, and anxiety. There is a wide range of reasons as to why Emotional Support Animals are important to have around when requested and needed and aid those in need of constant support.

Importance Of An ESA

Provides The Individual A Relaxing Presence

Some people have public anxiety which prevents them from venturing out into the public and live life. The calming energy of these emotional support animals allows then to be calm in the most overwhelming of places.

Creates Opportunities To Meet New People

These furry friends provide these individuals a chance to start up a conversation with new people when venturing out in public. Most people love animals and are friendly enough to start petting the animal or asking about them when there’s a chance.

Provide A Constant Companion

A man’s best friend, a dog especially, will have your back and love you unconditionally anytime. To have an Emotional support animal around, the individual will have a constant friend.

Gives The Individual A Sense Of Safety

Emotional support animals don’t only exude the sense of calmness but also a sense of safety. These emotional support animals are well trained and are very able in situations that are uncomfortable.

Emotional Freedom

Individuals suffering from depression or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD, sometimes face bouts of traumatizing flashbacks or emotions that cripple their day, thus preventing them from leaving the house or doing things they want to do. With a companion, going places will be very much put at ease as the individual won’t be alone while facing the world. No fear, no worry.

Emotional Support Animals are imperative for some individuals to recover and lead normal and fearless lives. Understanding the needs of these individuals will bring forth more trustworthy, to those around them in regards to the emotional support animals.