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Can an Emotional Support Animal really help with anxiety and panic attacks?

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paulsorenson13

New Here
Hey everyone,
I’ve been dealing with anxiety and occasional panic attacks for a while now. I recently heard about Emotional Support Animals (ESA) and how they can help with mental health.

I wanted to ask if anyone here has actually tried it? Does having a pet really make a difference in managing anxiety or panic attacks?

Also, how does the ESA letter process work, especially in Texas? Is it legit and worth it?

Would really appreciate your experiences and advice.
 
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Yes. I got my first dog in 2017. Prior to that I had cats. That eog became my first ESA. I also have a seizure risk. Keeping my stress down is crucial to remain seizure free. I have 2 dogs now - pitbulls who are my legal ESAs. I get the letter renewed for them every year. I have ptsd. But I have been seizure free almost 14 years. I have this insight. This gives a person legal rights under the ADA. But I learned I am responsible for keeping those rights. My dogs now are rescues.
 
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hello paul. welcome to the forum.

i swear by the psychotherapy value of my relationship with animals, but i am not so sure of the "ESA" business and it is a business. i entered the theory work of animal therapy while seeing eye dogs were the only officially registered animals in the federal register. the formally trained animals strike me as a different breed than the animals raised and trained by the patient. to my senses, that raising and training is a HUGE part of the therapy. therapy support animals strike me as products i might buy in the pharmacy.

but that is me and theories abound.

side note
i have also found great healing benefits in animal rescue. traumatized animals have taught me more about ptsd/anxiety than words will allow.
 
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You would need a letter from a doctor or therapist or some one with a similar title. All of the things you see on the internet are scams. ESAs help so many people. They have made a difference in so many of the lives I have met. So, is it worth it, YES!!! Legally, under the ADA and similar laws, they cannot be denied in your living space no matter if you rent or own. Keep in mind that ESAs do not have public access rights, only service dogs do.
 
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I have had a series of little dogs over the years. No special training needed. They light up my life. This morning little Lulu woke me up prancing in circles like a puppy. She is 4 years old. I started the day nlaughing before I was even out of bed.
 
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KA60 said:
Yes. I got my first dog in 2017. Prior to that I had cats. That eog became my first ESA. I also have a seizure risk. Keeping my stress down is crucial to remain seizure free. I have 2 dogs now - pitbulls who are my legal ESAs. I get the letter renewed for them every year. I have ptsd. But I have been seizure free almost 14 years. I have this insight. This gives a person legal rights under the ADA. But I learned I am responsible for keeping those rights. My dogs now are rescues.
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Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s truly inspiring to hear how your dogs have helped you manage stress and stay seizure-free for so many years.


I’m currently considering getting an ESA for anxiety and panic attacks, so hearing real experiences like yours is really helpful. You also mentioned the responsibility that comes with it, which I think is very important. I’d like to understand that better as well.


If you’re open to sharing, how did you get your ESA letter? And did you notice any major changes after getting your first dog?
 
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I got my ESA letter by simply voicing that I want one. I talked about why the animal helped me and asked for a letter. If you do not have an animal you could say why having an ESA would be helpful.
 
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paulsorenson13 said:
Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s truly inspiring to hear how your dogs have helped you manage stress and stay seizure-free for so many years.


I’m currently considering getting an ESA for anxiety and panic attacks, so hearing real experiences like yours is really helpful. You also mentioned the responsibility that comes with it, which I think is very important. I’d like to understand that better as well.


If you’re open to sharing, how did you get your ESA letter? And did you notice any major changes after getting your first dog?
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So sorry for late reply. I had a therapist I was seeing write a letter. The responsibilty I had to come to grips with was the letter certifying my dog as an ESA was a privilege not a right. It was my responsibilty to care for my dog keep the dog from disturbing others train the dog to stay with me get vet care buy dog food budget for the dog etc. After getting my dog I felt safer less lonely my fear from my ptsd was reduced. My illness was very serious and I had to relearn many skills again like walking cooking driving shopping etc. So I learned to drive with my dog in my car. My first husband died in 2012. I cared for him wore myself out. About 6 months before he died he said I want to return and walk the green grass again. On one of my first few walks outside with my dog I recalled what he said and it hit me. I lived to walk the grass again. My illness caused cardiopulmonary arrest. As hard as trauma is PTSD can also be a gift.
 
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I went the service dog route which worked more for me because I needed more help than an ESA could provide. So just a quick note on the difference. An ESA can live with you regardless of a pet policy but that's it. No going with you places, no flying, no being in public where dogs aren't allowed. For that you need a service dog and while they are amazing they can also be like having a toddler 😂

But if you are just looking more for help with anxiety at home an ESA can be a game changer. Just having that presence around all the time, watching out for you, offering comfort and giving you courage can do amazing things to help lessen that constant fear factor. Plus it forces you into the world, because all dogs need walks and grooming and vet visits and pet stores and all those things that make you have to interact with people even if you don't want to. But when you are doing it for your dog? It somehow becomes easier to get thru the day.

Although to be honest I'm one of those who thinks everyone should have a dog so.....🙂
 
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U
Freida said:
I went the service dog route which worked more for me because I needed more help than an ESA could provide. So just a quick note on the difference. An ESA can live with you regardless of a pet policy but that's it. No going with you places, no flying, no being in public where dogs aren't allowed. For that you need a service dog and while they are amazing they can also be like having a toddler 😂

But if you are just looking more for help with anxiety at home an ESA can be a game changer. Just having that presence around all the time, watching out for you, offering comfort and giving you courage can do amazing things to help lessen that constant fear factor. Plus it forces you into the world, because all dogs need walks and grooming and vet visits and pet stores and all those things that make you have to interact with people even if you don't want to. But when you are doing it for your dog? It somehow becomes easier to get thru the day.

Although to be honest I'm one of those who thinks everyone should have a dog so.....🙂
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Yes! Love what you said.
 
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