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The Benefit Of Emotional Support Animals

Most colleges and universities are entering their last full month of schoolwork, projects, presentations and exams. The stress becomes high for students who need to pass or excel in their classes, and the emotional exhaustion that often follows takes a physical and mental toll. 

That weight can sometimes be doubled if something, whether personal or not, takes place and adds to worries already occupying someone's mind. It could become a time where a student needs the support from another peer. And starting something new, such as moving out for college, can lead to having no support . However, many universities offer the option of allowing students to have a registered emotional support animal. 

Emotional support animals provide necessary support and companionship to people dealing with mental health issues or a psychiatric disability, helping reduce the symptoms of their condition. Different from service animals, which focus on performing specific tasks, an ESA benefits people with various mental or emotional conditions such as an anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, depression or bipolar disorder. 

It is important to not get confused with a psychiatric service dog, which requires extensive training to specifically work with people who have a mental disability or illness, according to the American Kennel Club. This involves dogs detecting the beginning of psychiatric episodes or reminding owners to take prescribed medications. The same concept should be applied when comparing an ESA to a therapy, working or service animal or dog. 

Having an ESA, especially in college, can help reduce stress and anxiety, along with improving someone's mood and allowing feelings of calmness. They can also improve self-esteem, alleviate depression, reduce loneliness and improve social skills. Even if they provide emotional support, an ESA can also physically improve someone's life through the necessary routine of taking care of them. 

A variety of animals can, in theory, become ESAs,  but dogs have been the most common. Gaining an ESA will bring a new sense of responsibility for both the owner and animal, and build a bond that will create stability. For both students living off and on campus residences, rules such as pet bans or restrictions can be waived for people who have a prescription for an ESA and cannot be charged a pet deposit for having an ESA living with them, according to the Fair Housing Act. 

Emotional support animals can provide the support needed in times of need. Whether it's a dog or even a guinea pig, an ESA's goal is to assist in your journey. They aren't only an ESA but a best friend and pet. It is their goal to have their presence comfort you and, in return, have you give them a sense of purpose.

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