Anxiety is something that millions of
Americans live with every day. In fact, the official figures for people over 18
living with anxiety stand at an astonishing 40 million! This condition can be
agonizing for those who suffer from its effects and can severely affect the
quality of life. Anxiety can cause everything from avoidant behaviors right up
to devastating panic attacks. There is a range of treatment options for those
affected by anxiety, however, not all of these work for everyone. Some may find
that certain treatments may work for them, while others simply don't.
In this article, we take a look at one of the newest and most effective
treatment options that is available to anxiety sufferers: emotional support
animals. These animals are a powerful, natural treatment for anxiety disorders
and have been showing huge promise in the mental health care field. We give you
all the information that you need to know on these superstar animals, along
with the definitive guide to the best pets that can help to relieve anxiety,
simply and effectively.
Anxiety: A Primal Malfunction
Anxiety disorders can be incredibly
frustrating for those who suffer from them. To make things worse, the cause of
anxiety is a natural function of the brain, that has spiraled out of control.
Due to the evolution over time of the human race, our brains are wired for both
modern and ancient functions. Anxiety disorders stem from the ancient parts of
our brains known as the amygdala and hippocampus.
Of course, small doses of anxiety, our body's
natural stress response, can be useful in some situations. Think about an exam
or a job interview—these are examples where a small dose of anxiety can
actually help to improve performance. But anxiety disorders are much more than
a little adrenaline in an objectively stressful situation.
In most anxiety disorders, the amygdala and
hippocampus are working against us, leading to an overproduction of stress
hormones like cortisol in inappropriate situations.
Treatments for Anxiety
There are both psychological and medical
treatments available for anxiety today, however not every form of treatment is
successful for everybody. Because there are a whole range of contributing
factors that result in anxiety, no treatment is a one-size fits all for the
condition.
Psychological treatments are often the first port of call for those that are
struggling with anxiety.
Psychological Anxiety Treatments
Some of the psychological treatments that therapists employ to help their
patients with anxiety include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts, behaviors and emotional
responses associated with psychological distress.
Meditation
Improves mental health and helps with relaxation.
Psychotherapy
Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders through talk therapy.
Animal Therapy
Animal therapy involves the use of animals to relieve the symptoms of anxiety.
Medical Anxiety Treatments
Medical treatments are often effective if psychological treatments alone do not
work for a patient. Medical treatments for anxiety can include:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Eases symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety.
Anxiolytic
Relieves anxiety and tension. May promote sleep.
Antidepressant
Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.
Sedative
Causes drowsiness, calmness and dulled senses. Some types may become addictive.
Nerve pain medication
Blocks pain caused by damaged nerves.
Animal Therapy for Anxiety
One of the newest forms of therapy for anxiety
that has been gaining popularity in recent times, is the use of animals.
Animals have long been known to be a natural mood-booster for humans, assisting
to encourage the brain release feelgood chemicals. Animals have also been shown
to have incredible therapeutic effects, assisting in a range of ways to
recuperate patients.
For anxiety in particular, therapy animals are excellent at altering the
chemistry of the brain in a positive way, helping to alleviate its effects.
They also provide a number of other benefits for patients.
Benefits of Animals for Anxiety Sufferers
Pets can help to fight mental illnesses in a
number of ways. The benefits that animals can have for those with anxiety
disorders are far-reaching and extremely beneficial for owners. Having a pet
can help to provide a point of focus and even distraction for those with
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Those with social anxiety disorder (SAD) may
find that an emotional support animal may help them to reintegrate into social
situations, with the pressure taken off them by their gorgeous pet. To find out
more benefits of an emotional support animal for your specific anxiety
disorder, talk to your therapist.
Getting a Therapy Animal
For those that suffer from anxiety, another
key benefit of having a therapy animal is the ease and speed at which it is
possible to begin using one of these exceptional animals. In order to get an
emotional support animal, a patient must obtain an ESA letter in order to allow
their therapy animal to accompany them when traveling and renting
accommodation. To get an ESA letter, the best course of action is to talk to
your therapist, either in-office or through tele-therapy, about using a pet for
therapy purposes. Your therapist will draw up an ESA letter for you, and
discuss how you can use a pet as part of your treatment plan to help relieve
your anxiety.
Best Pets for Anxiety
So, you've decided a pet is an awesome way to
fight your anxiety. Good for you! But what is your ideal pet? These are the
best pets to help with your anxiety disorder.
Dogs
Dogs are the ultimate all-rounders when it
comes to pets. Dogs are friendly, loyal and sociable. They are excellent to
travel with, as they are great at adapting to any situation if well-trained and
socialized. Dogs can provide a securing and protective presence to their
owners, making them feel more confident in situations that they normally would
not. Dogs can make excellent anxiety supports, however, they do have a few
potential drawbacks, depending on your point of view.
Dogs are very co-dependent on their owners,
which some may view as positive or negative, depending on their situation.
They're extremely active, requiring a lot of exercise, meaning that they are
not suitable for every owner. Dogs are also creatures that thrive on social
interaction, so for those with extreme social anxiety, dogs may be an
unsuitable choice.
Overall, dogs make excellent pets for those
with mild to moderate anxiety, due to their fun-loving and protective nature.
Look into ESA dogs!
Cats
Cats are quiet, affectionate and super easy
pets to bring into your life. Many anxiety sufferers are sensitive souls, and
the soothing company of a cat can be extremely healing.
Cats don't require a lot of exercise or space,
so they are the perfect pet for those who are not in a position to provide much
of either. For those with anxiety, cats can provide affection and companionship
and encourage calm behavior.
Some of the drawbacks of cats are that they
can sometimes be stand-offish and selective about when they would like to be
touched. They can also be slightly harder to travel with due the fact that they
cannot be trained as well as dogs. Cats can make excellent support animals for
those with all types of anxiety because of their chilled out nature and love of
pats, which help to calm their owners.
Rabbits
Rabbits are sweet little darlings that are
ideal for small spaces and for those that love snuggling pets to relieve their
anxiety. Interacting with rabbits can be soothing and almost meditative for
their owners. Rabbits are extremely quiet, take up very little space and are
great pet for those that suffer anxiety.
Unfortunately, rabbits are fragile and require
a high level of care (cage-cleaning) so this can be draw back for some. Rabbits
do not require their owner to provide them with exercise, but they need a large
hutch and access to shade, but warmth at night. Rabbits may be the right choice
for those who need a quiet and small pet to help ease their anxiety.
If you have anxiety and other treatments are not working for you, it's
definitely worth looking into an emotional support animal. Depending on your
anxiety diagnosis, one of these pets could be the perfect aid and support to
your mental health.
