Being nervous in certain social situations is normal for everyone. For example, you may have felt your heart pounding so fast before speaking in front of a crowd or sweating during your first date.
However, it’s more difficult when a person has a social anxiety disorder. They experience overwhelming fear and anxiety in almost every social interaction, which can negatively affect their daily lives.
The good news is that there are ways to manage this condition, such as therapy and medication. In addition, psychiatric service animals are also used to help individuals with social anxiety disorder. Read on to learn more about social anxiety and how these animals can assist people with this condition.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) or social phobia is a type of anxiety disorder affecting a person’s ability to interact with others in social situations. People with this condition aren’t just shy but have an overwhelming fear of socializing.
People with SAD often have intense feelings of fear and embarrassment when faced with everyday social situations. They become self-conscious and dread being the center of attention. Note that being afraid of certain social situations like public speaking or going to a party is natural.
However, SAD is more than that. It’s when the fear keeps building up and becomes so overwhelming that you experience panic attacks before, during, or after a social interaction. Other symptoms may include worrying or avoiding social activities and having difficulty performing tasks when someone is watching.
Can Service Animals Help With Social Anxiety Disorder?
The simple answer is yes; service animals can assist people with social anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that animal-assisted intervention can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage positive interactions with others.
Service animals are trained to provide emotional support to their owners and can help alleviate the symptoms of SAD. They do that by acting as a calming presence, providing a sense of security and companionship, and preventing their owners from having panic attacks in social situations.
For socially anxious people, the best thing about social animals is that they don’t judge their owners. They still love you even though you’re at your lowest point.
Examples of Service Animals for Social Anxiety Disorder
The most common service animals adopted by people with SAD are dogs. Here are some breeds that are generally trained for social anxiety.
- Havanese – Because of their small size, Havanese are suitable for people with limited space. They’re also outgoing and affectionate. That’s why they’re preferred by people with anxiety.
- Labrador/Golden Retrievers – These dogs are excellent psychiatric service dogs because they’re intelligent, loyal, and friendly.
- German Shepherds – This breed is commonly seen working in police departments because of their extraordinary intelligence and loyalty. They’re also dependable and calm, making them great companions for individuals with social anxiety.
- Poodles – Poodles are super adorable pets and highly trainable service animals. Aside from being emotionally attuned to their owner’s emotions, this breed is also hypoallergenic, which is great for people allergic to fur.
Conclusion
Although service animals can be a great tool to assist people with SAD, it’s not for all. Some may experience allergies and infections when interacting with furry animals. So if you’re struggling with SAD, first consult your healthcare provider about whether it’s a suitable option for you.
Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today. The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.
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