Have you been struggling with your mental health for a while now, but you feel like nothing is helping? Are you feeling discouraged and stuck in what feels like an everlasting funk because you’ve tried everything and have no clue what else to do? Trust me, I’ve been there, and I might be able to help — ever thought about getting an emotional support animal (ESA)?
If you don’t know what that is, an ESA is an animal that offers companionship and support, which helps a person manage their mental health. You’ll find that dogs are the most common animal for an ESA, but you can actually legally register any animal as an ESA as long as it helps you emotionally.
Now that I’ve introduced you to the idea of an ESA, please allow me to introduce you to someone very special to me! Making her debut on my blog, here is Sophie, my 2-year-old emotional support animal!
We’ve only had Sophie for two weeks, but we’ve learned that she loves to eat, sleep, and play fetch. While it hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine (we’re trying to potty train her fast because our carpet has taken quite the beating), she has been such a blessing since my husband and I adopted her from Operation Paws for Homes.
Honestly guys, I am just so thankful to have her around — she makes me smile first thing in the morning when I wake up and look down to see Sophie jumping in excitement for our morning walk. I used to feel lonely when I would wake up to an empty apartment because my husband already left for work, but I don’t have to worry about being alone anymore. Even when I’m teleworking and I just got done with a long Zoom meeting, it’s so comforting to look down and see her resting her head on my lap. And I love that Sophie is such a big cuddler! When I lay on the floor with my blanket for a power nap, she gets up from wherever she is and buries her entire body under my covers to rest on my legs. With her, I feel loved, needed, and I certainly don’t feel alone. She’s the perfect addition to our little family! I am definitely hoping that I can make her my legal ESA soon 🙂 .
Sophie has given me purpose again, and she’s given me hope that my mental health CANNOT and WILL NOT defeat me. My hope for those who feel stuck in their depression, anxiety, or PTSD is that you find your own Sophie — find an animal that cuddles you when you’re sad, makes you feel alive again, and just lifts your overall mood.
“Gary is like my heart. Gary is very devoted to me and that calms me down… He’s anxious when he’s away from me.”
– Carrie Fisher
Source: nme.com
Wow this is very helpful.I didn’t know all of this could be possible. I always think that a pet can help you extend your love and if they can with loneliness and anxiety is much better.
Animals are such amazing companions, and it’s just so wonderful to have them around. It’s a give and take relationship in that they help us, and we help them in return. Thanks for reading!
Sophie looks so cute and who wouldn’t want to wake up to such a cutie face. I literally didn’t know about ESA until I read this article. Aren’t we so blessed as humans to have such lovely animals in our lives, not just to keep us company, but also to help us emotionally and mentally at times.
Right? I love waking up to her. She’s so amazing! I’m so glad that I can spread the word about ESAs — like you said, not only do they keep us company, but they also lift us up in our lowest moments. Thanks for reading, Mary!
I have heard of ESA before. I wonder if this can help with legalities on people trying to rent homes or apartments.
It definitely can, but a lot of people abuse the use of an ESA just to live in an apartment with an animal and not pay additional pet fees and deposits.
Many people have been helped by ESAs. I’m so glad you found your Sophie! We adopted a cat to be a companion for my mother who has dementia, and it has made a huge difference in her comfort levels.
Aw, that’s so great! I’m so glad to hear that your mom has a furry companion to keep her company. Thanks so much for reading, Shelly!
The pictures are adorable. Thanks for educating us about emotional support animal (ESA). It’s a good option to explore. Wish you and your family the best of times.
Thank you so much for reading and supporting me! It was my hopes to bring awareness to this because not many people know about ESAs.
Ahh I love this so much!! Pets really do add so much joy to our lives. Look forward to seeing more of Sophie in future posts 🙂
They really do! We’re so lucky to have them around. Thanks for reading and supporting, Lily!
I have indeed heard about ESA but this gave me a lot of clarity on this topic, Thanks for sharing
I’m so glad that I can provide more clarity about ESAs. Thank you so much for reading!
Anything that can help us conquer our mental issues is great. It’s good to know about emotional support animal (ESA) . At the moment I’m dealing my depression and anxiety by taking tablets and I can say that one of the best things I’ve done so far. I feel more relax and at peace.
I’m so glad to hear that your tablets are helping with your depression and anxiety. It’s good that you’re taking active steps to feel better because we all deserve to feel our best. Thank you so much for reading and for being so open, Anne!
Great write up on an emotional support animal. I’m sure they’re really useful. I could use one right now.
Thanks so much for reading! If you’re in need of an ESA, definitely talk it over with a therapist and with your family. You may find that an ESA will provide you with so much relief and comfort. Wishing you all the best.
My dog really helps me when I’m feeling anxious!
I’m so glad that you have a dog to support you through this. We’re so so lucky to have them! Thanks for reading! 🙂
So cute! I was familiar with the idea of ESAa but didn’t know all of the info you provided.
I’m so glad that I can provide some additional information about ESAs. Thanks so much for reading!
My cats are my best friends. I will drop anyone and everyone for them. They know when I am upset and will come to cuddle me better than any person could.
I don’t know how they know when we’re sad or upset — it’s amazing to me. Thank you so much for reading!
No wonder they are our best friend .. I didn’t j know about ESA, this is very informative thank you
Sophie is most DEFINITELY my best friend. I love her so so much! I’m also so glad that I was able to provide some information about an ESA. Thanks for reading!
I love pets and they help to cope my anxiety and sadness. ESA is really great for all of people who experiencing mental illness. Awesome post!
That’s amazing that you have a pet to help you as well. Thanks so much for reading!
I love this topic. In the days of social media and modern living, pets are becoming even more important in our lives.
Most definitely. Thank you for reading and supporting!
Animals definitely make best friends. Sophie is so cute. So glad she is there with you.
Thank you so much. I feel so lucky to have her!
It’s so important to raise awareness for issues like this!
Thank you so much for reading and supporting! It means so much!
Animals are such amazing companions, and it’s just so wonderful to have them around.
Yes, I definitely know first-hand now just how amazing it is to have my baby girl around me 🙂