The Benefits of Emotional Support Dogs for PTSD Sufferers




An increasing number of people are turning to Emotional Support Animals (ESA) to help them cope with emotional and psychological disabilities. As part of a treatment plan, a licensed mental health professional can provide a formal prescription letter for an ESA. This letter allows the patient to bring the animal with them onto planes and into some establishments. Unlike service animals that undergo intense training, an ESA can be any domesticated animal that brings the patient comfort and minimizes the negative symptoms of their disability. The most common ESA animal is a dog. With psychiatric disorders like Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the rise, ESA dogs are becoming more common. But how can these animals help alleviate some of the symptoms of PTSD? Read on to find out.

What is PTSD?

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a terrifying event. Examples of these events include war, car accidents, violent personal assault, or natural disasters. The symptoms of PTSD can differ for everyone and depend on factors such as the severity or frequency of the event, the mental state of the person beforehand, and the person’s support system. Common symptoms include flashbacks or nightmares of the event, avoiding people, places, or activities that serve as a reminder of the event, and negative changes in mood and thinking. These symptoms can last for months or years and interfere with everyday functioning. PTSD also increases a person’s risk of developing other mental health problems including anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, and drug and alcohol abuse. Treatments consist of various forms of therapy along with medications, such as antidepressants, to treat symptoms.

How an ESA Dog Can Help

While therapy and medications can treat the overall symptoms, they can’t always treat the quick onset of a flashback or nightmare. That’s where an ESA dog can make a huge difference. While an ESA can be from any species, the loving, playful nature of dogs makes them a wonderful choice for people battling PTSD symptoms. Dogs are intuitive to mood changes and can sense when their owner is becoming overwhelmed or stressed. They can provide comfort and fun, which then leads to the release of the “feel-good” chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals can help battle feelings of depression and anxiety. Dogs also serve as an excuse to get out of the house and interact with nature and people.

Finding the right treatment plan for a person suffering from an emotional or psychological disability can be difficult. Adding an ESA support dog can help to alleviate some of the negative symptoms and help a person better cope with their disability.

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