Bengalureans turn to pets for emotional support, get it

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: Emotional support animals (ESAs) are becoming increasingly popular in Bengaluru, as more and more people are finding relief from mental health conditions through the companionship of animals.

A survey conducted by the Animal Angels Foundation, an NGO that specialises in animal-assisted therapy, revealed that there are over one lakh EASs in Bengaluru.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, a mental health advocacy organisation, stated that dogs hold the highest popularity, followed by cats, birds and rabbits.

Among ESA owners in the city, a significant portion grapples with mental health conditions, notably anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Emotional support animals are different from service animals. The latter are sometimes trained to serve a particular disability, but usually, emotional support animals are not specifically trained.

What are emotional support animals? An emotional support animal is an animal that provides emotional support to a person with a mental health disability.

Doctors all over the world, including Bengaluru, are now recommending emotional support animals to patients with mental disabilities.

Helping people manage mental health

Manisha, a mental health counsellor, said that pet therapy can be very beneficial for people who do not have an aversion or fear of animals.

Cuddling a pet, just for a few minutes a day, can be very therapeutic, as it releases hormones that reduce stress. Adarsh Benkappa Basavaraj, who owns a golden retriever, said that Teddy (his dog) can always tell what mood he is in, no matter how subtle the change.

He added that golden retrievers are naturally empathetic, social, and friendly animals, and they can always brighten someone's day. Emotional support animals have not been proven to cure mental disabilities, but they have been shown to help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Animals can provide companionship, comfort, and support, which can help reduce anxiety, stress, and loneliness. They can also motivate people to lead healthier lives by encouraging them to exercise and socialise.

Adarsh, who also provides psychological counselling, says that spending time with any animal can help reduce loneliness.

He explains that loneliness is one of the leading causes of depression and anxiety.

Emotional support of animals good for children

Children in general, especially those with mental disabilities, often have mood swings and emotional instability.

They will not be in a position to explain their emotions. So ESAs can provide comfort and assistance to children helping them to manage their emotions and feel more calm and relaxed.

Emotional support animals can also help children to feel more connected and secure and to learn responsibility.