9 Mental Health Benefits of Having an Emotional Support Animal - Service Animal Registry of CaliforniaService Animal Registry of California

Animals have been a part of human daily life since ancient times. Some became our hunting partners. Others were domesticated for our source of nutrition. There are also those with no correlation to human activities but just found our presence to be comforting and beneficial.

As years went by, we have found that animals, no matter what species they belong to, can provide us with emotional support during tough times. And with that emotional support, mental health benefits have also been discovered. Here is a list of these benefits.

1. Emotional support animals help prevent mental health problems

Playing with an ESA helps your brain produce dopamine and serotonin. When your brain has a healthy amount of these chemicals, you’re less likely to have anxiety, depression, panic attacks, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia.

2. Emotional support animals keep you occupied

ESAs are living creatures. You need to take care of them by providing food, shelter, and keeping them clean. Because of these things, your daily life has a solid structure. As the saying goes, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” Having an ESA prevents you from fostering unhealthy thoughts and doing bad things.

3. Emotional support animals provide you companionship

Isolated people are more likely to develop mental health issues. Although ESAs aren’t humans, their presence can still prevent a person from feeling lonely. Some even say that an ESA’s companionship is better than close contact with a romantic interest, family member, or friend.

4. Emotional support animals help you be more social

Taking your ESA out in the public is a great conversation starter. You might not be the initiator of dialogue but the chances of people talking to you are high when you’re with an ESA. Remember, we all need regular social interaction and skills to keep our minds healthy.

5. Emotional support animals relieve your stress through touch

Had a bad day? Stroking or hugging an ESA can quickly reduce your negative feelings and stabilize intense emotions. Just make sure to choose an ESA that’s touch-friendly.

6. Emotional support animals help you develop a positive self-perception

Because having an ESA gives you responsibilities, you’ll feel that you’re needed. You’ll also feel more confident while developing a positive self-image.

7. Emotional support animals provide you with unconditional love

Love, no matter what form, helps people develop healthy daily behaviors and foster happy thoughts. Treat your ESA with tender loving care and they will return your kindness with loyalty and unconditional love.

8. Emotional support animals increase your mental fortitude

When all the aforementioned benefits of having an ESA are combined, you’ll have a mind that’s tough to crack. You won’t be so easily discouraged, disappointed, or hurt at the challenges life throws at you. You’ll also be more focused on getting things done.

9. Emotional support animals help you make good long-term behavioral changes

Owning an ESA makes people with unhealthy and self-destructive life choices think about their doings. Plenty of hardened convicts have ditched their bad behaviors after regular calming interaction sessions with animals. You too can also get this benefit by having an ESA.

All domesticated animals can be ESAs. It can be a horse, pig, lizard, or even a crocodile. To make an animal be registered as an ESA, a person needs to have a legitimate diagnosis of a mental or emotional condition and a doctor’s approval.