How To Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal for Depression and Anxiety

Anyone who has a beloved animal in their life understands how pets can lift spirits and reduce loneliness. The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) states that 80% of pet owners attribute their reduced feelings of loneliness to their pets. The effect pets have on their owners makes an emotional support animal (ESA) vital to people who struggle with depression or anxiety. For those with emotional or mental health conditions, an ESA provides companionship and a soothing presence. 

Although pets are beneficial for all pet owners, an emotional support animal is more than a pet; an ESA is a critical part of dealing with a mental illness. An ESA can have therapeutic value, and there’s a proven need for some people to have them near. An emotional support animal can be essential for someone dealing with depression and anxiety.

Depression 

Depression is more than just feeling blue or sad. It’s the persistent feeling of hopelessness, sadness, and loss that remains with a person for longer than two weeks. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that depression can affect the quality of life and how a person eats, sleep, and works. Severe depression may even lead to suicide.

Symptoms of Depression 

The symptoms of depression can be different from person to person. The following are signs that might be caused by depression:

• Constantly feeling sad, lonely, guilty, or hopeless
• Irritability, easy to anger
• Loss of enjoyment in things you used to like (hobbies and activities)
• Fatigue, lack of energy 
• Talking or moving slow or feeling restless and anxious
• Difficulty making decisions or recalling words
• Difficulty concentrating or following a through on a task
• Sleep changes
• Aches and pains, digestive issues, and headaches that don’t seem to have a physical cause
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety 

Stress is a common part of life. However, when a person experiences a large amount of stress for long periods, it can become anxiety. Anxiety comes in many forms, but it’s generally a heightened state of stress that doesn’t go away. Over time anxiety can get worse and affect work, school, and relationships. Some people may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or develop phobias like a fear of flying or cramped spaces. Anxiety, if left untreated, can cause significant distress and decrease a person’s quality of life. 

Symptoms of Anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety, like depression, can vary from person to person. The following are some signs of anxiety: 

• Feeling keyed-up, restless, and on edge
• Easily distracted or difficulty concentrating
• Irritable, easy to anger
• Muscle tension in the back, shoulders, or neck. 
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty staying or falling asleep
• Panic Attacks, which might include:
  • Lound, pounding heartbeat
  • Fast heart rate
  • Profuse sweating
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Feeling chilly
  • Shortness of breath, feeling smothered
  • A sense of impending doom
  • Feeling out of control 

How an Emotional Support Animal Can Help Depression or Anxiety

Some people who have depression or anxiety may benefit from having a constant source of support that doesn’t judge them. An ESA can supply that base of warmth and connection and enable a person to function in their daily lives. The act of caring for an emotional support animal (feeding, grooming, walking, etc.) also encourages a person with depression or anxiety to maintain a schedule and participate in social activities. An ESA allows a person to have continuous affection and interaction. 

How to get an ESA Letter Online

How To Qualify for an ESA If You Have Depression or Anxiety

If you suffer from the symptoms listed above, you may qualify for an emotional support animal. An ESA letter is required to establish whether you’re a suitable candidate for an ESA. If you are already seeing a licensed healthcare professional regarding depression or anxiety, you may want to consult with them regarding an ESA letter and incorporate an ESA into your treatment plan. 

To own a legitimate ESA letter, the doctor or therapist must be licensed in your state of residence. If you’re unable to visit a doctor or your therapist is out of state, you can also get an ESA assessment online. A legitimate online service will connect you with a licensed healthcare professional licensed for your state.

Remember that an ESA must be written by a licensed healthcare professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). If the author is not licensed, the letter is invalid. The ESA letter should include information regarding the licensed person, such as their name, license number, and contact information. 

What the Law Says About Emotional Support Animals

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) states that a psychiatrist, physician, social worker, psychologists and other mental health professionals can write an ESA letter. Emotional support animals have the right to live in a “no pets allowed” housing and are protected by the federal law Fair Housing Act (FHA). Landlords can never charge any type of fee or deposit for tenants with emotional support animals, and they are not allowed to disallow an ESA because of its size or breed.

For people with depression or anxiety, an ESA doesn’t just brighten their day — an ESA can change their life. 

See if you qualify for an Emotional Support Animal letter through ESA Doctors by clicking the link below.