How Emotional Support Animals Help with Depression

The real problem with depression is unlike physical challenges, it doesn’t “show.” People suffering from depression don’t need special ramps or hearing devices. They look fine. But depression is very real.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) help with depression.

Depression is an Acknowledged Disability

Airlines, college housing administrators…many organizations are managing the rapid increase of ESA (emotional support animals) traveling and living with those in need. It’s an inconvenience, yes, but the reality of depression can no longer be ignored.

About Depression

Symptoms of depression can include (but are not limited to):

• Decision-making difficulty
• Difficulty concentrating
• Digestive problems
• Drinking too much
• Excessive sleeping
• Feeling “out of control”
• Feeling useless/worthless
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Guilt
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Lack of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Overeating
• Persistent aches/pains, headaches
• Restlessness
• Thoughts of suicide

Types of Depression

• Atypical – Characterized by very reactive responses to situations and severe sensitivity to criticism and/or rejection
• Bipolar Disorder – Extreme/uncontrollable highs/lows
• Bipolar II – Hypomanic “highs” and extreme lows
• Clinical depression – also known as Major depressive disorder (MDD); impaired quality of life/persistent loss of interest in activities
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) – depression lasting longer than 2 years; also known as Dysthymia
• Post-Partum – New mothers; depression following childbirth
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – PMDD regularly affects some women; manifestations include anxiety, nervousness, aches, breast tenderness
• Seasonal Affective Disorder – Occurs during months with reduced sunlight

The Clinical Truth About Depression and ESA

In an NCBI publication about therapy vs. pathology roles in ESA prescriptions they wrote,“(ESAs) are not considered pets under the law and special accommodations must be afforded to individuals who need ESAs to assist them psychologically.”

Can ESAs help with depression?

“No pets” housing must allow ESAs under the Fair Housing Act. Most airlines have also established policies for traveling with emotional support animals.

Drugs, therapy, diet, and exercise are treatments for depression. But it’s been shown emotional support animals provide psychological support to those in need. “For a person with anxiety, the act of petting an animal can…be of benefit,” says Jessy Warner-Cohen, Ph.D., MPH.

• Animals lift our spirits just by being there.
• Animals make us laugh more; laughing is a natural cure for depression.
• Emotional support animals don’t have to be dogs or cats.
• ESAs provide a sense of purpose to people who feel unnecessary. Grooming, walking, feeding, and protecting an animal gives us a reason to wake up. Every day. In fact, sluggish owners find their support animals will “force” them to get moving!
• Landlords cannot charge a pet deposit for documented emotional support animals.
• Support animals alleviate loneliness.

Under the ACAA (Air Carrier Access Act), ESAs are not defined by breed or species. Whether or not an animal can fly in the cabin depends on their size and if they could possibly pose a threat to other passengers.

ESA Letters Travel With You

How an ESA letter empowers you

You can buy tags for your pet online. The tags say, “ESA” and they’re usually red and oversized. Anyone can order them.

You need to carry a letter with you, especially when traveling. An ESA letter is a recommendation from a licensed medical professional.

• Animal-specific information – Your ESA letter should not be “generic.” It should specify your animal’s breed, name, and identification number.
• Date – An undated ESA letter is not valid. Your ESA letter should specify the issue and expiration dates.
• Letterhead – A genuine ESA letter has a letterhead that includes medical credentials: your doctor’s name, license type/number, and contact information.
• Mental health condition – Your ESA letter should state you need an ESA to manage a mental health condition. The letter should identify the mental health disorder managed by the support animal’s presence.
• State-specific – Each U.S. state has its own licensing board. Your Emotional Support Animal Letter should be issued by a medical professional licensed in your state. Always check the medical professional’s/physician license to ensure it’s current and valid.

We live in a digital society. It’s not surprising there are many online offers of ESA “letters.” Some people pay the fee only to discover their ESA documentation isn’t worth the paper it wasn’t written on. Watch for signs of ESA letter-scamming:

1. Customer support non-existent
2. LMHP license invalid or current in your U.S. state
3. Misspellings, poor grammar, or lack of important details (Ask for a “blank” sample ESA letter; it may be incomplete or grammatically embarrassing.)
4. No requirement for consultation with an LMHP (licensed mental health professional)
5. Rates not comparable with other agencies (If “the price is too good to be true…”)

You Don’t Have to ‘Face the World’ Alone

Feeling safe is a right; not a privilege. For some of us, feeling safe requires more support.

If you believe you qualify for an emotional support animal, take steps to get the documentation required. Request an online evaluation and schedule an appointment with an ESA Care licensed Medical Doctor today.

Soon, you’ll be able to live and travel without fear, accompanied by your emotional support animal.

Get Your ESA Letter Now!

Get Your ESA Letter