We all suffer from the blues from time-to-time, but when those down moods turn into something more, you may be suffering from depression.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that 350 million people suffer from this condition worldwide. Depression is also among the leading causes of most mental disabilities.
In this post, we will explore depression, the different types of depression, its symptoms and how individuals with this condition may benefit from an Emotional Support Animal (ESA).
If you already believe that an emotional support animal would be beneficial to your life, fill out the questionnaire in the link below and a licensed therapist will assist you with qualifying you for an ESA online.
What is Depression?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is defined as a serious, yet common mental illness that negatively affects the way you think, feel and act. They go on to state that individuals that suffer from depression will also lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and may also experience profound feelings of sadness.
Types of Depression
There are many types of depression. These include;
- Major Depressive Disorder – this is characterized by the individual feeling sad, hopeless, lacking focus and losing interest in daily activities. This must go on for at least two weeks to be considered MDD.
- Postpartum Depression – after the birth of a baby some women experience depression which is thought to be caused by a dip in hormone levels.
- Seasonal Depression – also known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder” (SAD) this condition affects between 3% to 5% of Canadians. SAD is brought on by the loss of daylight in the Fall and Winter months.
- Bereavement – the loss of a loved one can sometimes lead to depression.
How Do I Know If I Have Depression?
Depression comes in many forms. From physical pain to slow thinking. See below for the different symptoms of depression.
There are several symptoms associated with depression. These conditions can affect you emotionally, physically, cognitively and behaviorally. Note, these symptoms can vary from person-to-person and even gender-to-gender.
Emotional Symptoms of Depression
- Feelings of sadness
- Not liking oneself
- Feeling like life is not worth living
- Guilt for dragging others down
Physical Symptoms of Depression
- Lack of appetite or weight gain
- Lack of energy
- Back pain
- Stomach upset/pain
- Sleeplessness/waking up in the middle of the night
- Aching joints
- Feeling like always in slow motion
Cognitive Symptoms of Depression
- Can’t make decisions
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Thinking in “slow motion” or fuzzy thinking
- Feelings of not performing well at work
Behavioral Symptoms of Depression
- Restlessness and feeling on edge
- Loss of intimacy with partner
- No interest in moving from couch or bed
What is an ESA & Can I Benefit From Having One?
Emotional support animals can help alleviate symptoms of depression.
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is any species of animal that brings emotional comfort, support and unconditional love to an individual.
Many mental health professionals are now prescribing an ESA for their patients that suffer from an emotional or mental disability; this includes depression.
Having an Emotional Support Animal is beneficial in several ways. These include;
- Giving the person a feeling of purpose and something to live for
- Providing companionship
- Helping the person engage with others
- Helping the individual get outside of their negative thoughts
- Having someone to talk to
- The reduction or non-usage of medications
How Can I Make My ESA Legit?
Anyone can have a beloved pet aid them with their depression; however, if you want to make your ESA legitimate, some rules must be followed.
- You must be under the care of a mental health professional or medical doctor for your depression.
- You need to obtain a letter from your mental health professional stating your need for the ESA
- Letter must be written on physician’s letterhead, signed and dated
- The letter must also include the doctor’s license number, where that license was issued and the date of issue.
To certify your Emotional Support Animal, you can do this process through a bricks-and-mortar organization or online.
Fill out the questionnaire to qualify for a legitimate ESA from a licensed therapist.
What Rights Does My ESA Have?
Once your ESA is certified, you do have rights. These include being allowed into “no pets'” policy housing and also into the cabin of the aircraft with your ESA at no additional cost.
Be sure to have a copy of your original ESA letter and the certification certificate available when applying for housing with your ESA and for booking a flight. The landlord, owner or manager of a rental unit and the security check at the airport will want to verify that your ESA is legit.
Once your ESA is certified, you do have rights. These include being allowed into “no pets'” policy housing and also into the cabin of the aircraft with your ESA at no additional cost.
Having an ESA Helps with Depression
There is no shame in suffering from depression. The real shame is suffering from this mental issue and not seeking help.
If you think you may have a form of depression, ask your doctor or therapist for a treatment plan. If this includes having an emotional support animal, find one that is right for you, then get back on the path to healthy living again.
Qualify for an Emotional Support Animal Letter today:
Get the Love and Support you deserve.
Thank you for helping me to understand that difficult concentration and lack of energy can both be signs of depression. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it might be a good idea to visit a counselor so that you can describe all of your symptoms so that they can accurately diagnose if you have depression or not. If you do have depression, there are medications and other treatment forms that you can use to get relief.