“Definition”
Animals can provide joy and companionship and add meaning to your life. Animals can also provide emotional support to people with mental health and emotional concerns. These animal companions are known as emotional support animals (ESAs), they have been growing in popularity in recent years and used by a wide range of people.
An emotional support animal is an animal that offers Companionship and other type of benefit to an individual with some form of disability or Mental health issues. The animal is intended to provide companionship and support that will help alleviate at least one aspect of the disability if not all aspects.
Dogs are the most common type of emotional support animal, but cats are quite common as well. Other types of animals, such as miniature horses, can also serve as ESAs. The range of types of animal’s use depends on what Benefits the owners receives from them.
For example, a peacock made headlines after it was denied from entering a United Airlines flight, even though its owner said that the animal was an emotional support animal. Some of the more unusual emotional support animals that have flown with their owners include a pig, a duck, a monkey. Most ESAs are not rare, exotic, or barnyard creatures.
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“Benefits” |
Why would an individual choose to use an emotional support animal? Research has supported, that over time that the idea animals can provide significant mental health benefits. One Researcher found that owning a pet has a very positive effects on mental health by fostering emotional connectivity, comforting feelings and helping people manage in times of crisis. Some of the other benefits that emotional support animals may provide include:
- Less anxiety. Simply petting an animal can create a relaxation response and elevate mood. A feeling of belonging and contentment.
- Trauma support. Pets can provide comfort to people who are dealing with difficult situations, including those who have experienced some type of trauma. PTSS is one area.
- Improved physical health. Many Studies have found that emotional support animals help to lower blood pressure, decrease respiration rates, and improve the ability to cope with pain. They also help manage people’s emotions.
- Fewer feelings of loneliness. Animals can provide companionship, which is especially important for people who live alone and experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Reciprocal care and love. Caring for an emotional support animal can also help give people a sense of purpose. Not only do animals provide unconditional love and companionship, but they also require care and love in return, which can be emotionally rewarding.
