Benefits of Having ESA's


Cuddles... The Best Kind of Medicine:

It's no surprise that our furry babies can be a great way to reduce anxiety and promote comfort and happiness. Research has shown that when you pet your beloved family pet, your brain releases Oxytocin. This is known as the "cuddle chemical" and has a variety of health benefits. A reduction in stress levels is the biggest positive factor when it comes to petting our fur babies. Due to the reduction in stress levels, cortisol levels also decrease. Increased levels of this hormone can be known to cause inflammation, reduced immunity, and weight gain. Having an ESA also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. Blood pressure decreases and becomes stabilized, while it decreases the risk for a variety of cardiovascular diseases. The number one reason people apply for an ESA is because of the positive outcomes for many mental health conditions. These can include (but are not limited to) PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety. Having an ESA has proven to improve a person's self-esteem and reduce feelings of loneliness. The best part of having an ESA is that you can take them with you in certain circumstances. These include no-pet policy housing units, college dormitories, and commercial flights. Another perk to having ESA pets is that some apartment complexes will waive the pet fees with proof of documentation! So how does this process work to certify your furry friend? The first step usually requires filling out an application that either a therapist or your healthcare provider will review. Once they determine that you would be a good candidate for an ESA they will review your medical history and current mental state. Once you have been approved, a letter will be written and given to you in person or by mail. A misunderstood concept people think when it comes to ESA pets is the fact that the animal has to be either a cat or a dog. In reality, any animal can be classified as an ESA as long as it provides some benefit to the person's well-being. People have been known to have horses, guinea pigs, lizards, and many other animal species as their therapy pets. Personally, I find ESA pets to be extremely helpful and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. I would know, as I have two giant cuddle bugs that have been certified as ESAs for a few years now. I honestly couldn't imagine getting through some of my battles without them. If you feel you may benefit from an ESA, reach out to your provider to begin the process. Don't have a provider or therapist? Not to worry! There are many sites online where you can apply for an ESA and get assigned to a licensed therapist to discuss your case. Here is a list of sources where you can apply for an ESA!

  • CertaPet (most popular) 
  • Pettable 
  • US Service Animals
  • ESA Doctors 
  • Support Pets        
My Lovely ESA Fur Babies!!!! 

Simba (Left) Nala (Right) 
     

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Personal Journey

  In the Beginning:  I have always struggled with some form of mental illness throughout the majority of my life. In 2019, I was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This was the very beginning of my long journey. Over the last few years, however, it got to be unbearable. It came to a point where it started to affect my ability to work and spend time with family and friends. Finally, at the very beginning of January this year, I made a difficult decision. I voluntarily admitted myself into a psychiatric hospital for treatment. During these three days, I learned new coping skills to help combat my panic attacks (grounding techniques) and negative thoughts (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). During this period I was also closely evaluated by a psychiatrist. I explained to him how I had tried every SSRI known to man, yet none of them seemed to benefit me. If anything I found them to be an even bigger detriment to my already unstable mental sta
Read more

The Hard Truth About Being a Nurse

Image
  A Memoir To Our Heroes: Behind the Front Lines  Probably one of the hardest careers out there would have to be nursing. Not only is it 12 hours of hard labor and stress, but trying to keep your patients alive. Even the ones who curse you out, throw bodily fluids, or attempt assault. Sounds like a good time right...? This field is definitely not for the faint of heart. It takes blood, sweat, and LOTS of tears to make it here. Nurses see both ends of the spectrum. Bringing life into the world, and helping those who depart it. This doesn't come without its challenges though. Nursing has one of the highest rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety. This comes as no surprise though. Nurses have their fair share of traumatic experiences and difficult decisions regarding patient care. Through all of this, they still find the strength to show up and give 110%. They truly don't get enough credit for all they do. Here's to the nurses that work tirelessly day in and day out. It'
Read more

Wishing Everyone A Peaceful Memorial Weekend

Image
Hoping everyone is having a pleasant three day weekend! Enjoy some time with family and friends and take advantage of this good weather! Don’t forget though… freedom always comes at a cost. Take some time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to allow for us to have these beautiful things! 
Read more