Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). As a result, individuals living with bipolar disorder often find it challenging to manage these mood swings and emotional states. However, one effective way to cope with the emotional turmoil is through the support of emotional support animals (ESAs). In this guide, we will explore how therapy animals can aid in managing bipolar disorder, discuss the best emotional support dogs for the condition, and provide insights on how to get and train an emotional support animal.
If you're curious about how therapy animals can help with other conditions like anxiety, check out our post on How Therapy Animals Help with Anxiety.
What Is Bipolar Disorder? Symptoms, Causes, and Phases
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, affects a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. The condition has two main phases: mania (or hypomania) and depression.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder:
- Extreme mood swings, from euphoria to deep sadness
- Depressive episodes with feelings of hopelessness, lack of energy, and interest
- Manic episodes with elevated energy, impulsive behavior, and irritability
- Psychotic symptoms (in severe cases) like delusions or hallucinations
Causes:
While the exact cause of bipolar disorder is unknown, a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and neurochemical imbalances are thought to contribute.
Phases of Bipolar Disorder:
- Mania/Hypomania: High energy, elevated mood, and risky behavior
- Depression: Low mood, lack of interest in activities, and fatigue
What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and support to individuals with emotional or psychological conditions. Unlike service dogs, trained to perform specific tasks, ESAs provide therapeutic benefits through companionship. ESAs are recognized under federal law and can help with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
For more information on ESAs and how they work, check out our post on "What Is Zoothérapie?"
How Therapy Animals Can Help with Bipolar Disorder
Therapy animals can provide immense support to those living with bipolar disorder by offering stability, emotional comfort, and companionship. They are particularly effective in the following ways:
- Reducing Stress: The presence of an ESA can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase feelings of calm through physical touch and interaction.
- Enhancing Mood: Companionship from an animal helps alleviate feelings of isolation, which are common in bipolar disorder during depressive episodes.
- Supporting Emotional Regulation: Animals can provide grounding, helping individuals manage extreme mood shifts and regain emotional control.
For more on how therapy animals benefit mental health, check out our post on How Therapy Animals Help with Anxiety.
Best Emotional Support Dog for Bipolar Disorder
Not all dogs are suitable for emotional support. Certain breeds make better companions for individuals with bipolar disorder due to their calm, patient, and intuitive nature. The best emotional support dogs for bipolar disorder include:
- Golden Retrievers: Known for their friendly, gentle nature, they are great for offering emotional support during manic and depressive episodes.
- Labrador Retrievers: Loyal, affectionate, and intuitive, these dogs provide emotional stability.
- Poodles: Highly intelligent and calm, Poodles can offer comfort during both manic and depressive phases of bipolar disorder.
For more on selecting the right dog, visit our post on Best Therapy Dog Breeds for Support.
How to Get an Emotional Support Animal?
To get an emotional support animal, follow these steps:
- Consult a Licensed Mental Health Professional: You’ll need a prescription letter from a licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist that states you would benefit from having an ESA.
- Choose Your Animal: Whether you choose a dog, cat, or other pet, ensure its temperament aligns with your emotional needs.
- Certification: While ESAs do not require formal training like service dogs, you can register your ESA to ensure legal protection regarding housing and travel.
For further details on how to certify your emotional support animal, read our post on Are All Dogs Suitable for Emotional Support?
How to Train a Service Dog for Bipolar Disorder
While service dogs are specially trained to perform tasks, emotional support dogs can also be trained to help manage bipolar disorder symptoms. Training your dog to:
- Alert to mood changes: Dogs can be trained to sense changes in mood and behavior, providing comfort during depressive or manic episodes.
- Provide deep-pressure therapy: Teach your dog to apply pressure when you're feeling overwhelmed, which can help calm you during manic or anxious episodes.
- Stay calm: Training your dog to remain calm in various environments can help prevent additional stress during emotional shifts.
Check out our post on Emotional Support Dog Training Guide for more advice on training.
Conclusion: The Importance of Emotional Support Animals for Bipolar Disorder
Emotional support animals provide invaluable assistance to individuals with bipolar disorder. They offer comfort, emotional regulation, and a sense of security, which are essential in managing the condition's symptoms. Whether you're considering getting an ESA or already have one, their role in your treatment plan can be a game-changer. Remember to always consult with a licensed professional when considering an ESA and start training them to meet your specific needs.
For more expert advice on bipolar disorder, visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
