Just when I thought my depression was going to get the better of me during the pandemic, a scroungy looking, half baby teeth gone pupper showed up at my doorstep. She is far from service animal, but she helped me a lot. She gets me out of the house every day and she makes me smile more than any human I interact with.

@RainRemnant

Жыл бұрын

She's probably not a puppy anymore now lol but that's such a sweet story 😍 That's the wonderful thing about animals, they won't judge you and a dog is so loyal 💗

@dangeroreilly2028

4 ай бұрын

I'm glad you have a pet you enjoy, and that gives you comfort.

@bethhayes8427

3 ай бұрын

As long as you don't try to take it to non pet friendly stores or restaurants. That is illegal. ESA does not legally have public access according to federal ADA laws.

When my dad had a severe brain injury after a brain haemorrhage I took his greyhound up to see him most days in the unit he was in, it did him wonders. I also used to go around and visit other patients in the ward as well, and they all loved it and used to say it was the highlight of their day, and Yaris (the dog) loved all the attention as well…lol. Never underestimate the power of a dog.

@JJSogaard

2 жыл бұрын

Really nice of you to visit other patients as well!

@erikholmgren2916

Жыл бұрын

Dog is goD

@NetchoCheese

Жыл бұрын

An animal* Any animal could do just as good. My pet pigeon makes me feel instantly better, he cures my depression and anxiety instantly. Soon I will be training him for emotional support as i finally found something that makes me feel safe and happy without medicine

Pets and other animals like a cat does relieve anxiety and stress. They love you unconditionally so you trust them completely where humans you can be unsure of their sincerity. I believe that you open your heart completely to a pet and they touch you deep within your soul. Thankyou for this video Dr. Tracey.

@davidhansen7895

Жыл бұрын

That’s it. On top of you trusting them it’s nice to also know you yourself are trusted unconditionally by another being as well.

@BlackGirlUnsolved

Жыл бұрын

I don’t believe this.

@di_kid00

Жыл бұрын

Very true. While I was in high school and going through intense abuse from my mother and stepfather, my cat was the only creature who showed me unconditional love. Without her, my cPTSD symptoms would’ve been much worse-although it’s still pretty bad and I’ve been in treatment since ‘18. Having had her to cuddle, care for and to nurture saved my sanity 1000%. (When she passed last Halloween, I fell apart hard, lost my job, but have since rebounded after having to learn how to live without depending on her always being there when home. Since, I’ve adopted a puppy who is sooo affectionate.)

@Linda2

Жыл бұрын

@@di_kid00 That's sound's like your healing. Puppies are awesome.

@lanehennefer5896

Жыл бұрын

@@di_kid00 I feel the same way about both my cats in the past and the cat i have now. I too have been surrounded by disfunction and abuse and my cat was the only one there for me. The cat i have now has saved my life and stood by my side and when i was at my lowest she would wake me up at dawn meowing to wake me up, walk with me down the street a block too the methadone clinic and wait for me to walk one block back after dosing and then walk home with me and i would then feed her. So she would literally wake me up and make personally make sure i took my medicine every morning. She is a huge part in me being able to manage my PTSD.

As a guard at a major museum in New York City, we have a serious problem with people claiming to have emotional support animals when they in actuality got the harness that says "service animal" off of Amazon. In fact, I overheard a visitor who was talking to a person who was an impostor with an "emotional support" animal say, 'Oh we should get a harness that says service animal so we can take our dog to the museum'. These so-called service animals wreak havoc in the museum. They start fights with real trained service dogs. They're not supposed to BE in the museum and we're getting overrun with these things. We have a K-9 unit. I know what a real service dog does. No, it's not the same as a disability dog, but I know enough not to pet Vale because she's WORKING! The only thing I ever got out of dealing with so-called emotional support dogs are that people are supremely selfish and they ruin it for people who DO need a highly trained dog to survive. I really don't have respect for the emotional support pet crowd because it makes life so much harder for our disabled visitors.

@RogueBagel

Жыл бұрын

Well, hold on: are you saying you don't respect ALL people who have an emotional support animal, out just the imposters?

@baronsaturday1

Жыл бұрын

@@RogueBagel If an emotional support animal is a genuine working dog, I have no problem with that. The problem is that the impostors have ruined the the name emotional support animal to the point that both impostors and legit have been irrevocably lumped together in the minds of the staff. It's tarnished the name "emotional support animal". It causes problems in terms of dealing with both the dog, the owner, and other visitors who do monkey see, monkey do. It's only now that I see there are legitimate working emotional support dog. Bottom line is, and I hate to say this, if you have a working dog, say up front that it's a working dog for the disabled as you would say a seeing eye dog." Emotional support dog" doesn't mean much anymore because of these impostors. At least not in my fellow colleagues' eyes.

@bethhayes8427

3 ай бұрын

I love this comment. My service dog and I have to deal with all the fakes every time we go somewhere. I just wish more businesses cared enough to monitor these fakes. I have lost track of how many times these fakes have tried to attack my dog.

@baronsaturday1

3 ай бұрын

​@bethhayes8427 Actually, my museum does care. However, we're hamstrung with laws that are as strong as vapor trails. All we're allowed to ask the owner is, "Is this a service dog? What does it do?" That is the extent of the law. I know that those disgusting fake ESA licenses are not legally binding. I know those phony licenses and certificates ruins it for legit disabled people. Unfortunately, there's nothing beyond the two questions that allows us a decision to kick them out. And if we do kick out an ESA, out come the lawyers. So your job and that of every real person in need of a real service animal has to join a group with disabilities and dogs and get politically active. You have to educate the public, and lobby local, state and federal governments to codify into law a clear, unconfusing law that businesses can follow without fear of litigation from ESA people. Moreover, let people know that you have the right to enjoy your animal that can cost up to $30,000 whereas an ESA is an untrained regular pet scooped off the street from somewhere. Nothing will change unless you band together and fight. I've managed to change things as an activist, so I know change is possible. It could be as easy as getting a stamp on your driver's license or ID and some laws for businesses to follow. You show ID all the time anyway. So fight back!

Im seeing a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist for a severe depressive episode, Im on antidepressants and have meds for panic attacks. I cant imagine anyone caring about the fact that the cat I adopted helps me a lot with feeling better with depression and anxiety I experience daily. Im scared of needing to move cause a lot of landlords dont allow pets, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt I would be in much worse shape without my cat in my life.

@dangeroreilly2028

4 ай бұрын

Based on what you've told us, you would easily qualify, and would have an easy time documenting. It's not exactly about who "cares" that you have depression. A LL isn't supposed to "care", in the sense that he's not family. But, he does have to comply with laws. This video and most comments are about people that don't truly qualify as disabled, and are just trying to finagle an ESA to keep a beloved pet.

@davidwestwater2219

3 ай бұрын

I have depression too I was very sad when my cat died but I'm an adult. I'm not going to put my problems on to other people

Good info but, as a therapist who does evaluate people for the necessity of an ESA, there is one bit of info that needs correction…an ESA letter DOES NOT allow someone to bring a pet into a restaurant. The laws around ESA animals apply to housing specifically. A service animal can go anywhere but an ESA cannot. Also, sometime people think that because they have an ESA letter, they can use this at hotels/motels but they can’t as the laws relate to housing not lodging. Thanks for the info on this channel…I give the info to clients so they can learn more outside of the therapy office.

@bettievw

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for saying this!

@vampirebottom

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for these corrections. Very rarely do ESA handlers take the time to train their pets or hold them to the same standards as a service animal, which is especially important in settings such as restaurants and hotels.

@vampirebottom

Жыл бұрын

@@rebeccakoch5713 obviously, that was already established in the comment I was replying to.

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

Service dogs can not go everywhere.

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

@@Ausgar-yc1yl Service dogs can go anywhere the general public is allowed so long as it does not fundamentally alter the goods, services or programs offered. This includes places that require a sterile environment in the hospital such as surgery rooms and burn units. At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo. So, broadly speaking, yes, service dogs can go everywhere. However, emotional support animals (ESA's) do not have ANY public access rights whatsoever. They can only go where normal pets are allowed. Since an ESA is just a regular pet that happens to also have the job of comforting their owner and they are not task trained, trained in public access or held to any standards for obedience.

From a flight attendant 👩🏾‍✈️ There was a lawsuit in 2019 in Delta that involved a passenger who was bite by an emotional support animal and had to get stitches. Hence why the airlines are more strict on what animals they allow onboard

Thank you Dr. Tracey. As a former case manager, my clients' parents were constantly trying to manipulate us into getting them an emotional support letter just because they didn't want to pay the pet deposit or get rid of the dog. You explained the liabilities beautifully and hopefully more people will understand the risk that they ask mental health providers to take

@TeamCat1128

2 жыл бұрын

Being forced to get rid of a pet can be traumatic. There will always be people who take advantage of things and ruin it for everyone.

@trashcatlinol

2 жыл бұрын

I didn't know the housing complex i lived in allowed pets with a deposit. They seemed very intent in the paperwork that pets WERE NOT ALLOWED....without a doctor's note. I saved up money to cover a deposit and a visit to my doctor for the note, because I was suffering anxiety due to auditory hallucinations. Having pets before allowed me to write off weird sounds as the pets goofing off. I had no clue the risk I was asking my doctor to take. And found out after that the note was to waive the pet deposit..... which was not what the housing manager explained to us when we asked.... I'm glad it didn't cause the doctor to lose her job. At least the unnecessary doctor visit was cheaper than the deposit...

@sciencenotstigma9534

Жыл бұрын

That’s certainly improper use of these laws. It makes it very hard for those who really need their animals!

@sciencenotstigma9534

Жыл бұрын

@@VioFax Yes, I had an apartment manager who charged me for major damages I asked them about when I moved in. Now, I make sure to put something in writing, if there are damages when I move in, and get proof of mailing.

@customera7945

Жыл бұрын

If someone uses the the term "get rid of" when it comes to a dog, it's a clear sign they have no heart.

I had a cat for 16 years and he was my best buddy. I didn't know it until after he died, but he had unofficially provided me with help, as I am an Autistic adult with Major Depressive Disorder who was diagnosed only 18 short months before he died. After he died, I truly felt his absence, which focused around the things he did, as well as his presence. In talking with a therapist, I learned that he had been helping me. Six months after his passing, I got a Maine Coon and paid a big deposit, as well as $30 per month rent. Yes, pets get charged rent now. It's petty, but I digress. My therapist determined that my previous cat had ben acting unofficially as an emotional support animal. With that, she wrote a letter for me. When I submitted the letter, I DID NOT ask for a return of my deposit. Truth be told, Maine Coon cats are VERY destructive when they are kittens. But I did ask to be relieved of the $30 per month rent, which they did release. I've harness and leash trained him, even though I do NOT take him into stores or traveling. He just goes for daily walks. But, without a doubt, he and is predecessor are both reasons why I am still here.

@wilmalv

9 ай бұрын

I enjoyed reading your comment:) I love our animals. Our cat comes with us when we walk the dog:) We have a big Cane Corso now that is so easy to train, mild tempered and well behaved in public that I wish I knew how to train him to be a service animal:)

Thank you for clarifying the requirements for obtaining a service dog.

I have severe CPTSD with severe anxiety and dissassociation..I have been declared by not only my doctor but social security as disabled as soon as I became an adult at 21...I'm 54 now...I have an emotional support animal a cat named Tigger...He travels in a pet backpack that he travels with me...I keep my psychiatrists letter with him at all times that Tigger he helps me to keep my anxiety at a manageable level..when I feel my anxiety ramping up in certain situations it helps for me to at least put my hand in the bag and at least pet him...if it gets really bad I go into the bathroom and hold him for a bit..He is like a grounding for me so I can continue to function..

@chrisreynolds35

9 ай бұрын

Lol

@rap4369

9 ай бұрын

@@chrisreynolds35​​⁠What is funny about severe PSTD, sir? Laugh at the wrong veteran with PSTD & you may be missing teeth.

@Rosapalmerrr

Ай бұрын

Same, would you like to be friends I feel so alone

I’m terrified of dogs. So I don’t go places where there are likely to be many dogs and probably dogs off leads. I like dogs but am too scared. So that’s my choice to avoid those places so I don’t inconvenience other people by getting upset. I get extra frightened if I am somewhere I didn’t expect to see a dog. These dogs however are usually clearly service dogs and I can deal with that and calm down because I know they are so well trained and will not bother with me or other people. People using and sometimes abusing the emotional support animal reason is different. The animals, which could be a variety of things, behave differently and unpredictably. This can be very distressing for others also just trying to live. Not all animals are “therapeutic” to all people. But the type of person to abuse the use of an emotional support animal is usually the type of person to not think about others point of view or why it’s different.

@bettievw

2 жыл бұрын

If you want some tips on how to deal with a fear of dogs, I dealt with it for many years and I could give you some advice!

@zoliver9304

Жыл бұрын

Good point. It is unfair for people to bring their dogs everywhere, in virtually every public space, including spaces that should not have dogs!!!

@Devilicious.

Жыл бұрын

@T J And your point is??

@msmakos1

7 ай бұрын

So what do you do if you see a task trained legitimate service dog? We're not leaving just because your fearful. We have a legal right to be there.

Thank you so much for this information! First off, I am dog owner and do love him as though he is my own child. HOWEVER, this whole ‘service animal’ thing has gotten out of control. Good to know that the airlines have made changes to stop the people that are clearly taking advantage of this service. I’d hate to be the person that had to sit next to the passenger that has to have ‘Stanley’ the potbelly pig oinking and squealing the entire flight 🐷

@MR-pr8tp

2 жыл бұрын

Amen.

@dangeroreilly2028

4 ай бұрын

Fortunately, lauries, the pig thing is now eliminated from airlines, as the video explained. But there may be other places where it's still permitted. "Service animal" is not out of control. People who claim a pet is an ESA is out of control. People that have a legitimate ESA but claim it's a service animal is out of control. People that either don't understand the difference, or deliberately try to deceive are the problem.

All these people commenting "my therapist recommended an emotional support animal" - why is this even a thing? Why isn't there a hard line in the sand, and it's either #1. No disability - therapist can recommend a pet. No special treatment from airlines, restaurants, hotels or housing. Or #2. Disability - Therapist can recommend a SERVICE dog. Why the grey area of emotional support pets and the KZread ads promoting the sketchy online certificates from licensed MDs? The world survived for centuries without the term "emotional support animal" until the last few years, I think this needs to change, at minimum for the sake of the truly disabled & their necessary accommodations. People with ESAs don't realize the burden they're placing on people with diagnosed disabilities. I'm glad you mention that pets bring all of us comfort, because that is very true. Pets feel like children to us, and we do fall in love with them. Why only call them "emotional support" for certain people and not others? It just seems wrong, we provide them emotional support, & they do the same for us in return. The whole industry is selfish and needs to be banned or totally changed somehow.

@Fairygoblet

2 ай бұрын

As a disabled person, I might actually be able to answer this one for you. I was prescribed an esa (a cat) for worsening symptoms by a physician that I had been seeing for years, not some bogus certificate place. I always assumed I would get a service dog, but I am not in the right place in my life for one. It would be cruel to keep a dog in the size apartment that I have, especially since I'm not active enough in my current condition to care for one. I do hope for that one day. I'm not going to give out personal medical details to you, but you have to believe me when I say I do much much better with my cat in the house, and I can tell you this in terms of psychiatric symptoms. I would never take him anywhere he did not belong. That's unfair to others and unfair to him him being an ESA allows me to waive the apartment fee, which would cause me financial hardship as a non-working adult, and allows him to keep his claws in a place that otherwise demands declawing. If you don't know about declawing look it up. It's barbaric. So yeah, as a disabled person who has actually researched service animals and hopes to be a Handler one day, I can tell you that you really have no right to get between me and my ESA. The problem with esa's is not that they exist, it's that people are irresponsible with them. And that hard Line in the Sand that you speak of would render me ineligible for an esa, as I am also disabled. And I've already told you why that would be a problem , because I can't Harbor a dog . Talk to a responsible Esa owner and you will realize why they are necessary. I don't think any Esa should be allowed in public, but your Hardline stance is part of the problem. There are several things that we can do to deter esas in public, and a lot of the issues with them stem from a lack of knowledge of the Ada on the part of businesses. The Ada gives the explicit right to kick out unruly animals, and if businesses bothered to read about and adhere to the ada, they would know this. So yeah, you are certainly not speaking for this disabled person. I know what's been a year, but I hope that you read this and broaden your mind a bit. I understand your frustration, but I think there's Nuance to the situation that you are not seeing.

This is such a necessary video, especially going out of the way to define the validity of psychiatric service animals and what exactly makes them a service animal! I want to also jump in and add on, on the topic of liability, that untrained emotional support animals in public spaces greatly put other people and service animals at risk. I've fortunately never had an incident, but I know other service dog handlers who've had dangerous encounters with ambivalent or clueless pet owners letting their pets charge and attempt to attack service dogs without intervening to correct their animal or break up the confrontation. One of the requirements of an SD is that they can't have any bite incidents (where they bite another animal or human) and can't be threatening/aggressive/otherwise violent. Worst case scenarios: the dog doesn't fight back and is horrifically maimed, the dog does fight back and no longer is protected by the ADA as a valid service animal, or the dog does come out of the encounter physically unscathed but traumatized by the ordeal to the point where they either have to go back to basics and be resocialized or potentially be retired altogether if they can't recover. Service dogs are a limited resource: program wait lists are anywhere between 1 - 4 years and privately trained service dogs take a minimum to 2 years to train, which adds up to $$$$s in the base price of the pup, the training and the basic care of the dog with no guarantee that the dog will have the right temperament and drive to be a service animal and may need to be washed out/retired. Careless people who bring their untrained pets in public are risking the safety and independence of disabled people, no other way to phrase it. If anything ever happened to my dog because of another person's negligence, I would be virtually stranded and totally compromised in my independence, because my dog being mobility-assistance trained is what allows me to be in public by myself without relying on a human carer (who are even more limited resources).

@katella

Жыл бұрын

As always,it is the humans who cause the problems.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! THANK YOU for taking the time to do this video. As a pet professional for nearly 20 years, I have so many clients that don't understand the difference, the legalities, the requirements. I hate seeing this being abused, it makes it more difficult for those who really need it. Thank you for the clarity. I will be sharing this video to my colleagues and clients. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@darahw7028

Жыл бұрын

Dr. Marks did a great job covering this. As a psychologist, (and a animal lover) often explain to people though I believe that many animals can provide emotional support-- I am trained to diagnose and treatment mental health conditions. I have no training to evaluate if an animal has the appropriate training to accompany them in social environments/or not be destructive in the home they rent etc. I leave those type of evaluations to the experts that provide such training and certification. I wish that this was more widely available--and if so, us professionals might feel more comfortable in verifying the patient's mental health diagnosis that supports the need for the animal.

Thanks for this‼️‼️ So many fakes out there that just makes it harder for actually service dogs and their handlers‼ There are thousands of scam/fake websites offering service dog credentials and fake vests🤦🏼‍♀️

I was a volunteer coordinator for Pets on Wheels,Inc. Non-Profit Pet Therapy Program in PG County Maryland during the 1990's ( program serves 9 Maryland counties and 2 Virginia counties and my county would serve DC if pet visits were requested) My county served 40 facilities, mostly long term care, assisted living, adult day care, a mental health facility and 2 special schools. The pet visits,mostly dogs were loved and the people who were visited regulary really showed positive reactions, even the people who had trouble communicating or who were confused with dementia or brain damage issues. I have so many positive memories and stories of the benefits of the pet therapy visits. We had pet health, temperment and behavior standards and volunteer orientation and first visits were accompanied by an experienced volunteer or myself and volunteers were under the Activity Director's supervision while in the facility.

This is right on time. I love this stray cat 🐱 I named him Garfield 😻 I feed him and when he left I thought he was gone for good. I became worried and had no idea how attached I was to him. It was truly shocking how sad I got. When he returned I was so over joyed...he really brings me joy. 🐱

@jklpop4664

Жыл бұрын

This was great information that I am sharing with all my disabled friends and family. When on a plane I recall someone had a 🦚 no lie...no I know why💯💝💗Thank you

The way you went about describing how the term disability can be applied or rejected based on who's asking and what there is to gain reminded me how this applies to both mental and physical disabilities. In France, even though I can't see the details of my own hand when my arm is half extended before me if I'm not wearing glasses, I'm not considered as a disabled person because I have glasses. This means the State and Medical authorities don't take into account the possibility of having a problem with my glasses at any time or the fact that even with them there are still things I can't do compared to someone with a better eyesight... and that's as ridiculous as telling a paraplegic person they're not disabled because they can get around with a wheelchair and are in possession of one... 🤦🏾‍♀️ I guess it's easier to deny people with invisible disabilities access to support and help without looking like jerks than it would be to deny help of people visibly afflicted by a well-known officially recognized disability... (And no, I'm not saying I have it as bad as people who can't see at all... But with the pandemic it's been even harder to get appointments with eye specialists as ever before where I am and my glasses have been damaged a few months back. The old pair is not always doing the trick...)

@februaryschild0216

Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry to hear that. Believe it or not, the US can be the same way. They rate disablility on your ability to work, so it's very hard to get disability services if your disability is invisible or in the opinion of the authorities doesn't stop you from holding a job...even if it does by reasonable people's standards. I am very sorry to hear about your circumstances.

As a flight attendant who loves animals, I have to follow the rules and be considerate of other passengers who may not like animals. If it is not a service animal , the animal is automatically deemed a pet in cabin and must stay inside their carrier. If removed from carrier, the passenger can be banned from flying with the airline.

@LaGabs86

Жыл бұрын

The are also records of pets dying, "getting lost" or injured when not traveling on the main cabin, so I also understand when pet owners are weary about leaving their furry friends in cargo. We are still very far from having transport and facilities that are truly pet friendly. Hopefully that'll happen one day

"We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think, and feel”. Marshall B. Rosenberg

My Mother had a dog during her stay at a rehab for heart surgery. She was so happy and helped in her recovery.

Dr Marks originally your videos came up as a suggestion from KZread. I’m really glad it did. I’ve watched a lot of your videos, and this one was particularly interesting to me. My wife has some cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression issues. She had a stroke a year ago her emotions have changed. We are planning on getting a dog to assist her in some of her disability. I live in a building that voluntarily offered the proper paperwork for an emotional support dog. Thank you again for your video for I think it makes it very clear what you need to do and how helpful it might be.

I can’t understand how anyone could live with themselves by pretending to have a disability just because they don’t feel like paying for an animal… it just isn’t fair, it’s so selfish!!

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

As someone who is disabled and has a legitimate task trained service dog I'll just say this -- if I could pass off my disabilities to someone else and leave my dog at home whenever I left the house then I'd be thrilled!!! Yeah, dogs can be cute and get attention, but if you need attention that badly then you have other issues. Being disabled and requiring a service animal to be in public is not fun. We are stared at by everyone, half the people want to stop us and ask questions, random people will pet the dog without asking and of course because of all the ESA's in public (legally ESA's do not have any public access in the United States) our medical equipment is constantly at risk. I desperately wish more people understood that pretending to be disabled is just wrong.

I have Autism and I have a very special parrot (conure) as my emotional support animal and she has been with me through the toughest times and she’s always been with me ever since we met, and she’s also my best friend and we go everywhere together and do almost everything together, she’s extremely quiet for a parrot and the only time she a little noisy is when I start to feel comfortable in any way and she gives me a little chirp saying that I’ll be okay and then she goes from my shoulder to my chest and chirps softly then until she calms me down by letting me pet her until I feel better and she even felt the nervousness of an old lady in my doctor’s office and she jumped off my shoulder and went and laid her little head against the old lady’s chest and I first thought that my little parrot was acting up for some reason, but when the old lady petted her the old lady calmed down in about 5-10 minutes and then she returned to my shoulder, I have never seen her do that for anyone else, so I thought that I would share this.

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

Honestly, then you should obtain a psychiatric service dog. Your parrot, no matter how well behaved, does NOT have public access in the United States to go anywhere / everywhere with you. Your ESA can be in pet friendly places.

@chrisreynolds35

9 ай бұрын

Cringe asf man up

💜Pets can do so much for us, humans. I hope we are doing the same in return. I hope those pets are treated well by ppl who use them as emotional support and therapy pet. You know, pets can feel fear, frustration, anxiety so I hope they're well emotionally as well. Plus getting food, water, basic stuff.

@YTStoleMyUsername

Жыл бұрын

Very good point. Animals/pets do feed off their owners energy and if their owner is basically treating them like a non-verbal therapist, that's a lot to put on a creature that doesn't have any training or understanding of what's going on. I also hope they are getting their emotional needs met and are not living in constant states of anxiety, nervousness, fear or depression themselves. I see emotional support animals oftentimes if I go to Walmart or other shops and restaurants, and the people who own them often seem pretty high strung. I just hope the animals still get to live a happy life, they deserve it.

@g.flesch9731

Жыл бұрын

@@YTStoleMyUsername You make good points re service dogs. They still need to be a dog & all dogs need basic things. To get in a brisk walk or walks each day for exercise for the dog. Good nutritious foods, toys to play with, vet care when needed & to get the vaccines dogs need to stay healthy. I see a service dog as not your full time comfort/therapy pet but one part of several areas a person who needs a service dog has to work on. Maybe meds that calm or therapy with a human therapist so that the human owning a service dog is working on themselves apart from the animal. Read books by Jon Katz. He gives great insights into what a dog needs from their humans. Dogs are sentient beings & yes a dog can feel what their owner feels. But the dog has needs to meet their well-being & to live a well-rounded life that is fun & has variety & stimulation. Another view of a dog's inner life is a great book: Merle's Door, Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote. I met the author at a book signing of this book. If you love dogs, read this book. Hope this helps people thinking of having an emotional support dog.

Thanks Dr. Marks for clarifying this. I'm an Aspie " I know they don't call us that anymore" but for reference sake. I used to go to the VA for help, but honestly the only thing their interested in is trying the latest drug on you or putting you in group. I have serious social / people anxiety. I do my best to avoid interaction with others, particularly in public, by choosing when and where I shop, and so on. I once asked about an emotional support dog, specifically my toy poodle that never leaves my side to be that animal. The psych nurse assigned to me absolutely refused and I never brought it up again. She does help me keep my emotions in check and I dread the day I loose her.

I didn’t understand emotional support animals until my roommate pretended to have one in our non pet friendly apartment. It was not allowed and he was only there for a week but he calmed down my PTSD and OCD, my brain hasn’t been quiet my whole life and it ruined my life and being around cats helped me so much. Now I’m about to move to a pet friendly apartment to get an ESA cat. c:

Not everyone abuses the Emotional Support Animal situation. Too bad so many do.

I work in a office with lots of vets so emotional support animals are common place. Thank you for your insight

I've got a pysch service dog...thank you for making a video talking about the differences

I have a Service Dog🐕‍🦺. Per the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) DO NOT have public access rights this means they can NOT accompany you into the store or a restaurant. However, some states and stores (Lowe’s for example) do allow pets and ESAs inside stores and at OUTSIDE sitting areas of a restaurant, you just have to check the stores/restaurants policy. Service Animals, per the ADA, are either a dog or a miniature horse that has been TASK trained to help meditate a person’s disability/disabilities. A Service Animal DOES have public access rights. A Service Animal is allowed pretty much anywhere that is open to the public, anywhere the handler goes. There are however a few exceptions to this: they’re not allowed in the Operating Room or the Burn Unit of a hospital, as well as places of worship (have to call and get permission first).

I'd love to have an ESA one day (or psychiatric service animal...I do have a disabling disorder (kind of a russian nesting doll of commonly paired disorders really lol) that's kept me from working recently). I mean, I also just really want a pet in general. I brought it up to my therapist and she loved the idea (but I also live in a no-pet apartment right now). I currently spend a lot of time with a family member who has dogs because I know how much they help me, right down to getting out of bed. It's so much easier to care for another creature than it is for myself. One of my family members' dogs will lay his whole body over me if he wants me to get up (and at times when I've been depressed and spent the whole day sleeping he'll come sort of check on me, licking my face and giving me attention in ways he doesn't otherwise.) Getting out of bed in the morning is the hardest task of the day and if I don't manage that things can obviously really snowball. I think the combination of deep pressure, the dose of oxytocin, plus the motivation of caring for another creature would really help. That said, I haven't pursued it because a) it's expensive and my resources are limited and b) any creature in my care deserves more stability than I can offer them right now. There's just nothing better than doggy love. With or without ESA status it's a goal.

😊😊❤❤ very vital information thank you so much for sharing 😊

Great explanations!

I didn’t know how bad I needed an ESA until I went to college. I grew up with dogs. I had a lot of stress and trauma. When I got to college I had another large trauma. It caused me sleep problems. My school therapist recommended me to get a support animal. Mentally I got worse until I got my Guinea pigs. It put me into a severe depression when they passed(both caught a disease). I got a dog and a few month ago and he’s helped a lot. I’m planning on training him to be a psychiatric service dog to help with my GAD and cPTSD symptoms. Those symptoms got so bad that I had to drop out my last year.

I have had to deal with mental health issues all my life and honestly prefer to treat the root cause using medication and for therapy simply enjoy nature, taking long walks and living more simply In the past due to my mental health issues including depression & anxiety I would have not been capable of looking after a dog especially living alone nor do I feel up to that task now which in my opinion would have the reverse effect by adding stress eg. barking, so personally a dog would be of no value to me I am also concerned of some mental health professionals and the media recommending "just get a dog" there are many people that find out in time they can't cope with looking after a dog and even end up homeless as you can be restricted with available rental accommodation if you end up in a tight financial situation, finally not everyone wants to share a confined space with a dog which has the potential to bite, anyway each to their own

@zoliver9304

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!!!

This is a wonderful explanation, thank you so much! I've been trying to figure out what term to use for my hedgehog and I may try to get him registered as an ESA now that I know what that really entails. I have a handful of mental disorders that he helps with by giving me a reason to get out of bed and start my day by feeding him because I struggle with getting out of bed for myself. He helps me focus better when he is sitting in my lap because he provides gentle low-level stimulation. He also helps because of the oxytocin-mediated reactions you talked about towards the end of the video, and keeps my mood up throughout the day whenever I see him or think about him. I believe this may qualify him as an ESA (once he would get proper documentation of course) since he cannot be trained like a service animal.

@finne0n

Жыл бұрын

@Tiny Princess I thought I had to have a therapist sign off to say it was an ESA.. I'm a bit confused now sorry

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

​@@finne0nDrs do not register esa or service dogs. There is no such thing as registration.

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

Legally in the United States there is no such thing as registration, certification or ID's for service animals or emotional support animals. Obtaining them only wastes your money since they don't grant access or offer any legal standing of any kind. Here is what the ADA says about it: "Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal." Also, please note that in the United States emotional support animals do not have any public access rights and are not allowed in businesses that do not normally allow pets. {another reason why identifying and ESA in public is pointless -- because ESA's can't go into non-pet-friendly businesses anyway and can only go where pets are allowed, so why bother labeling them if they won't ever be questioned since all pets allowed in the places ESA's can go anyway} "Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA? No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Thank you for calling out the people who are abusing the system, I have a lot of friends with trained service animals who unfortunately struggle because of the bad reputation fake service animals have given them. I have autism and chronic illnesses that are making life really hard for me right now, and I think an emotional support cat would really help with the depression and other things. I'm doing a lot of research so I can do it right, and will talk to my therapist about it next time I see them. Thank you for all the information!

Such a shame that some people went overboard and ruined it for others by going with those animals on airplanes.

Good morning Dr. Marks. I can't wait to receive your new book.

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you so much Intentionally Queen. Only 3 more weeks 🙏🏽❤️

Thanks!

@DrTraceyMarks

Жыл бұрын

Thank you Austin for the super thanks.

Hey dr. Tracey Marks. Could you please make a video about sluggish cognitive tempo?

@bettievw

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I'd love this! I have ADHD and my brothers probably do as well, my youngest brother is 14 and has a lot of trouble with feeling like his brain is slower than that of others around him. I'm sure that he is very capable academically, but the combination of his addiction to screens (not that I'm not a screen addict, I am as well) and his seemingly slow cognitive tempo is really holding him back.

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Divine. I don’t know enough about this to do a video. From what I see, there’s not an agreed upon criteria yet

As someone with adhd when I had to get on my flight without my esa pet I was so scared and anxious

hi Dr. Tracey could you do a video on the ex mental illness, masochistic personality disorder?

would you consider making a video on the use of LDN (low dose naltrexone) in psychiatry?

Such an excellent video! Thank you for letting us know our rights. I have mental illness and physical disabilities. (I am not delusional…my mother and neighbor noticed my cat’s gifts, without me saying anything). My cat has an illness affecting the same body systems in the same ways as mine, and he IS aware of it. He literally helps me remember when it’s time to do self-care routines that help me with our common symptoms. He sniffs me loudly, for a long time when I develop infections, sometimes days before I’m diagnosed. He “diagnosed” my dog (cancer), and the neighbor’s (intestinal torsion), in this manner. My neighbor saw how he was sniffing him and looking at her pointedly, and drove him to the vet, where he passed away naturally. The dog looked well when we saw him, but it’s rapidly fatal. Now I just go in when he does this! He supports me through everything. My cat been sickly since kittenhood, and has been with me 19 years. We live with others without these problems. We do different activities, in different ways. We are obviously “in it together.”

best video I saw

Interesting to know! My pets are unofficial ESA… they benefit my mental health A LOT but they‘re not trained or anything. I also don’t take them anywhere 😄

@MonstehDinosawr

2 жыл бұрын

That's because all animals can be beneficial to people's mental health

@Catlily5

2 жыл бұрын

My cat was declared as an emotional support animal by my psychiatrist at her suggestion. I had a problem with moving into an apartment. They weren't clear on the animal policy. They told me no pets. It turned out the apartments on both sides had cats. My psychiatrist helped me to keep my cat. I paid the animal deposit. I never take my cat in public where she isn't allowed. Nor on a plane. I am on disability for several mental illnesses. My cat is a huge emotional support to me. I am sorry to hear that so many people are abusing this law. I have seen it happen.

@Catlily5

Жыл бұрын

@Tiny Princess You are right , I meant to put "support" but I wrote "service". I will change it.

Great video. I understand a love for pets but get really annoyed when I am at a grocery store and someone has their chihuahua with them, wearing a "emotional support" leash or jacket, and licking his private parts in the grocery cart while I stand at the fresh vegetable section trying to decide my purchases. Obvious the person filled out a form, paid a fee and received a bogus "emotional support" designation. I know a service dog when I see one, as the dog is disciplined, trained, and doesn't bother others. And many wear a sign asking others not to interfere or bother the service animal. Personally I think this bogus certificate process of emotional support should be banned. I would rather see the person seek emotional support from a therapist, and learn to cope with their emotions in a more professional manner. I don't like someone's "emotional support animal" licking me or spreading fleas in my groceries. I don't like it when I have to step over poop in the aisle in a big box store either. I have often thought about picking it up and placing it on the counter of customer service. A few cleanups would get the message across. Food entities need to ban these emotional support animals/certificate to ensure clean, sanitary conditions. I worship my cats but make sure they do not bother others.

@jomaby3693

Жыл бұрын

Most don’t even bother faking it as a service animal, they just take their filthy, parasite infested dog everywhere with them and have no care for how disgusting this is to other people.

@nmfitts

Жыл бұрын

ESAs should/are technically banned--most places have legislation about pets in food places and only SDs have access rights. The problem is that places aren't informed and opt to let pets in out of fear of bad press or accidentally creating liability by booting a legit SD. (amusingly, legit service dogs can be booted for any bad behavior--so an SD licking groceries would in fact lose protection and be bootable) These days ESAs only have permissions regarding housing and I think maybe hotels?

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

@@Gemma626 Actually, they are making perfect sense, since Emotional Support Animals (ESA's) have absolutely NO public access rights in the United States. They are only legally allowed where normal pets can go. This is due to the fact that ESA's do not have any standards whatsoever. They do not require obedience, they do not require public access training and they are not task trained to mitigate a person's disability. So they have absolutely no reason to ever be in public places unless it's somewhere that allows all pets.

@Sharon-sw7mr

2 ай бұрын

I see people putting their pets in grocery carts.

Chickens are my absolute favorite animals for emotional support. Wonderful creatures. ❤🐔

I am on service-connected disability for PTSD from military service. It has to be pretty bad before mental illness is considered a "disability." I don't handle aggression from people to the degree that working in the field of customer service cracked me after a while. I started having mental breakdowns after dealing with unhappy customers, and anyone who has worked in that field knows that you encounter it all the time. Now, I'm agoraphobic and don't leave my room for weeks on end. I have anxiety from walking outside. It has to be crippling in order to be validated legally. And hell, I'm only considered 70% disabled.

I wouldn’t get out of bed if I didn’t have my cats. They are my children. I’m fighting a medical condition and I keep battling for their sake more than my own. Recently, I noticed that one of my cats picks up on my anxiety and stressors, and he tries to distract me. I used to see it as interruptions until I realized that he was removing me from stressful situations to tend to his needs. I change my focus and calm down. I had a dysfunctional landlord who would show up, unannounced, and go off on me. Whenever she would start raising her voice, my cat would actually jump on me. I couldn’t figure out why he was jumping on me and not her! 😂 It would immediately shut her up and I would be forced to walk away to get him off of my back or shoulders. He was protecting me. That’s a service! He trained himself!They know when I’m not feeling well and come over to snuggle. They’re an endless source of love and support. I do have a real ESA letter from one of my mental health providers. She agrees that they do provide the support that I need to get through the day.

I am taking Trazodon 25 mg for insomnia and Cipralex 10 mg. Please guide me. Thanks 🙏

Ever since my two beloved rat terriers passed away I notice I get sad and depressed and I feel lonely. I always felt joy, happiness, contentment when my dogs were alive!

THE WAY YOU BREAK IT DOWN IS LOVELY AND AMAZING. THANK YOU MA, MY CAT ALSO SAY THANK U🐈🐈❤👌🏿

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome to you and your cat! 😊

I wish I can get a service dog for my sibling with BPD to help with breakdowns that may lead to self harm (hitting self or objects) even just for at home. Unfortunately the cost, effort, and current living arrangements don’t let us do that right now. If we ever get a chance, do you think it’s worth getting a service dog/ pet for people that experience those breakdowns (BPD/PMDD, etc.)?

I have an ESA, but I understand that it’s not like a “medical equipment” like a service dog . It’s crazy that people try to bring untrained animals in certain places and possibly attack service dogs.

Hi Dr. Marks, My name is Joshua Nouril and I wanted to know how I could get in touch with you. I was born in London and raised in Los Angeles but have been back in London for about 7 yrs. I suffer from MDD, GAD, PAD and agoraphobia. I have some questions for you and would like to see if I can have a one off session with you via zoom or something like that. Thanks.

A question. What if you used a cuddly toy in the same manner as a support animal? I have a lot of cuddly toy dachshunds and they help me calm down when I am overwhelmed in public and having an anxiety moment.

I've noticed that businesses are already posting on their doors that no other animals are allowed in even esa animals to their stores. It says service animals only. Should we report them?

I’m extremely new to ESA and I’m moving very soon. I’m trying to register my dog as an ESA and I hate that I haven’t done it sooner like last year (I was debating on it but didn’t think much of it. I was also really financially unstable last year and couldn’t afford much but I can this year). I’m not trying to get an ESA so I don’t have to pay a fee or to get around dog breed restrictions because she’s a pit bull terrier, I’m trying to register her as an ESA because she actually does help me. I have severe depression and other mental health concerns that came from scarring things in my life. I’ve had dogs all my life but my current dog has helped me get through even the darkest days and the thought of being in a home without her makes me very distressed and anxious. She’s honestly saved me more times than I can count just by being here and giving me support and comfort when I’m feeling distressed. I genuinely need her because it will definitely be very hard to function without her. This video helped a lot. I’ve also heard of people taking advantage of this and making it hard for people who genuinely need an ESA. I’m doing my best now to prove that my dog genuinely helps me function and prove that this isn’t a game to me. My dog helps me more than anyone can understand and I am doing everything to bring her with me so I can function properly.

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

There is no such thing as a registered esa or service dog.

I wish cats were included because it's been scientifically proven that a cat's purr has actual healing effects. Cat's can be just as if not more intuitive about their owner's emotional state. I worked in a nursing home that brought cat's into the facility for the residents. Even people who "didn't like cats: would warm up to them and enjoy their company. Sometimes just watching a cat play with another cat or even just watch the birds outside the windows was a comfort and put a smile on a typical blank face.

@trashcatlinol

2 жыл бұрын

I used to visit nursing homes a lot as a kid. My great grandmother loved our reactions to the birds. She point out the nests and tell us what the residents named the birds (they had no official names) I also remember her talking about the dogs and cats they brought in. We were there when they had a little terrier. He was a sweetheart, and I'm not a dog person. The nursing homes that have no animals (or worse empty birdcages) feel very.... devoid of life? My experiences were usually the nursing homes without animals of any sort were more likely to abuse their residents. You could tell the ones where the birds were moved for cleaning, and which were vacant for a long time... they don't collect much dust, but have a 'look'. I really hope my grandma reconsiders her choice of nursing home, because it's one of those bad ones, and they've neglected her before, though they gaslit her into believing it was everyone else caring for her that was causing her harm.... not their lack of physical therapy. But the one her mom was in was very expensive. The Medicare wing is not as nice, but run just as well. And she'd be right next to her hospital.

@FacebookAunt

2 жыл бұрын

It is much harder to guarantee the behavior of a cat though. Cats aren't untrainable, but it is easier to train a dog. Part of the covenant with society for service animals is that if you allowed to take this animal into places animals are not usually allowed, you promise the animal won't cause a disturbance or damage.

@teerich2011

2 жыл бұрын

Include in what? Cars are considered as emotional support animals, but unfortunately not service animals although some are very helpful in alerting owners when something is wrong, and can also be trained to walk on leashes. Not sure if any were ever trained to be support animals.

@jomaby3693

Жыл бұрын

@@FacebookAunt cats can’t cause serious damage if they attack, therapy dogs in hospitals and schools have mauled people. Dogs are so anxious and barely capable of being trained, they just love food and will do anything to get it. Never seen an animal always hungry like dogs, they are an abomination.

I have severe social anxiety and PTSD thanks to the Army and I can't afford a service dog. The best I can do is an emotional support animal. I struggle with depression and anxiety attacks, panic attacks. I wish that a service dog would be more affordable.

I need all 3

I would have liked it if Dr. Marks had been a little more thorough about service animals, particularly in housing. As a LL, I know the law requires me to accept service animals. But I think that many states make it illegal to claim an animal is a service animal when it isn't. We need some of the "pet" owners and "ESA" owners that are falsely claiming they have a "service animal" charged! If we could get some publicity on those wrongdoers, that might serve as a deterrent. It seems only a LL wrongfully denying an animal hits the news.

i can't have dogs and really want to get an emotional suport animal that would help me in hipomanic episodes, does anyone know where i can learn about other species that are trainable? I can only ever find info on dogs.

My little dog is not classed as a emotional support dog But she definitely knows when I’m having a bad day…..she snuggles up,every now and then I get a little nudge as if she checking I’m ok. If I’m upset she come and lay with me and give me a few licks!! She not been trained to do these things …..She must just sense it. She loves her ears rubbed and it relaxes me …,,she definitely my best friend

@MR-pr8tp

2 жыл бұрын

My cats sense when we are moving, or I am having a bad day too. But I certainly would not make others deal with my pets that are not professionally trained and really serve a true disability. "emotional support" needs to be banned and reviewed as others have pointed out. It has gotten out of control and people are taking advantage of it.

@XxxJaneXxx

2 жыл бұрын

@@MR-pr8tp same here….she was bought as a pet and that’s how she stay!!

If you haven't already could you please do videos on the benefits of being alone and how to effectively visualise.....................

I live in the uk and owned two guinea pigs who were incorporated into my safety plan during my crisis periods. Not officially emotional support animals but I am grateful for their presence in my life, they were predictable and grounding. Unfortunately both of them passed away today, grief has hit me hard, and I’ve been emotionally distraught all day, I don’t know, They were my babies/kids. I love this channel, post therapy (NHS bullshit) it’s helped me so much, I guess I just wanted to vent ❤️

@karynnotkaren693

Жыл бұрын

I am so sorry for your loss. The pain of loss of animals is often dismissed but it can be worse than losing a person bc they have been part of your several life. I lost my pup in November after 17 years and miss her everyday.

@Shadow-iv1mq

Жыл бұрын

@@karynnotkaren693 thank you for your kind words ❤️

Apartment management needs to state whether it’s a pet FEE, which you will not get back, or a pet deposit, which is money put up in case there is damage done specifically by the animal. I don’t understand why pets have to pay rent as well. I lost my emotional support cat last fall. I can’t find anyone who can help me get an animal to replace her. I’m not looking to get out of a deposit. I’m not looking to manipulate a therapist do help me get out of a deposit. And, I am fine with giving a pet deposit. But a monthly rent for the pet as well is the deposit is not fair for folks with a real disability and on a fixed income. I am very fortunate to have a landlord that understands this. Also, she’s an attorney and understands the legalities.

I lost my therapy dog and I just adopted another dog and his has instincts. I faith he will my need

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

Therapy animals do not work for one person, they only work in institutional settings.

So frustrated in South Africa!! I have a disabled dog and he is not allowed anywhere! Not even in a fully zipped up special pram. He weighs 1kg! Needing constant care, feeds and meds

I have never heard of anyone being able to bring their pets with them on aeroplanes in Australia 😮

So very relevant right now, as the previous 2 yrs have isolated and freaked out huge numbers of ordinarily stable people. Those folk who were suffering prior to it, are in real need of emotional reinforcement now. It’s great that at last we’re entering (possibly returning) into the era of functional medicine and ‘therapy’ that was traditional, proven and of little burden to the environment. Just tossing in the psychotherapy role for/of victims of ptsd, they just talked around the kitchen table surrounded by companions, fellow sufferers and whoever.

Great video. I live in Florida and it just irks me when I see little old ladies smuggle their chihuahua into their oversized purse at a restaurant.

@zoliver9304

Жыл бұрын

@Tiny Princess no one asked you 🤣 Wait, chihuahuas can be service animals??? Lmaooooo

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

​@@zoliver9304They CAN be service animals, read the ADA.

Happy Wednesday! 💚

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

Thank your Richard. You too!

I add my dog for emotional support dog which my psychiatrist will do. Which paperwork should do?

I work at a motel we get alot pets most people claim the pet is a emotional support an they have nothing to show they are what they are here my question does the motel have to excepted them

I have an emotional support when I have an anxiety attack which is frequently

It amazes me how you simplify things and make it sound so easy. Out of curiosity if you have depression would an animal be helpful? Thank you for being you!

@jackiecauthron-schafer9554

Жыл бұрын

I suffered from depression for years, and it got increasingly worse. I’m now on medication that helps me tremendously, but before that, my pets sometimes were the only reason I got out of bed. They needed to be cared for and provided love and companionship. They aren’t a cure, but they can help a lot.

@katella

Жыл бұрын

As long as you are able to care for them properly, feed,water,clean up after them, exercise them.

@zoliver9304

Жыл бұрын

Pets are are a lot of work and can ADD stress and anxiety if you are unlucky and get a problematic pet.

What if you're allergic to a dog and cats? How can I get a service animal that isnt a dog or cat? If not, then this is medical discrimination. Califronia has bird service animals. It sounds like I have to get a lawyer.

Thank you for educating us all-especially patient advocates. Never pay for animal certifications -that was all a money making scheme. Getting a proper service animal-yes absolutely.

She one smart doc .

Struggling with mental problems myself. Previous behaviors that I thought I left behind have begun resurfacing. And one of the behaviors scares me. You wouldn't know it now but my dog HATED my presence. Now we sleep together almost every night. Animals can keep your sanity. However fleeting it may be.

@MrJasonpoonany9669

Жыл бұрын

All it takes is a little effort the attempt and attentiveness to help an animal you believe will help you.

I have been considering getting some sort of dog as either a support dog or service dog. I'm not sure which is more necessary. Perhaps you could touch on that at some point. This was very informative.

@AkiraKitsune-qo9yz

9 ай бұрын

It just depends on your level of disability and what you need the dog to do. I will give you some information based off of the laws in the United States. "The ADA defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. Major life activities are those functions that are important to most people's daily lives. Examples of major life activities are breathing, walking, talking, hearing, seeing, sleeping, caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, and working." So, using a personal example, my service dog does cardiac medical alert, low blood sugar medical alert, mobility assistance when I walk with my leg braces on, mobility assistance when I use my wheelchair (such as retrieving items, pressing the handicapped button to open doors, etc), item retrievals at home, medication retrievals, closing doors, turning off lights in a room, picking up dropped items and more. The cardiac alert is to prevent me from fainting, the low blood sugar alert is also to prevent me from going unconscious and most of the rest of his tasks are to help me do the things I can not do for myself throughout the day. So, he mitigates my disabilities and allows me to live the most normal life possible. "Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times. In most instances, the handler will be the individual with a disability or a third party who accompanies the individual with a disability. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may use a long, retractable leash to allow her service animal to pick up or retrieve items. She may not allow the dog to wander away from her and must maintain control of the dog, even if it is retrieving an item at a distance from her. Or, a returning veteran who has PTSD and has great difficulty entering unfamiliar spaces may have a dog that is trained to enter a space, check to see that no threats are there, and come back and signal that it is safe to enter. The dog must be off leash to do its job, but may be leashed at other times. Under control also means that a service animal should not be allowed to bark repeatedly in a lecture hall, theater, library, or other quiet place." Also, please note the following to ensure that you A) do not get scammed ... and B) see why service dog handlers hate the online registries that "fakes" and ESA's use all the time -- these people illegally use their "registration" to try and "prove" that their animal is a service animal, when in reality businesses can not ask for documentation, registration or ID and when people use them they're only hurting legitimate teams who know they are not necessary and do not carry them.. "There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal." So, keeping all of that in mind, it really depends on what you need the animal to do and whether or not they are sufficiently mitigating your disability to meet the legal requirements of being a service dog under the ADA.

I was diagnosed as autistic now that I am nearing 40 and the diagnostic process happened because I have for several years now started to not be able to cope with life as much as I used to. I knew for 10+ years I was possibly autistic but I felt like I coped "ok". Now I am unable to do many things and I am not sure how I used to ever be able to do them prior to the past several years. I love animals but I get too upset if something is wrong, I am the type to bring a pet to the vet over any little thing. I've only owned small pets that stay in a cage or tank. I sometimes feel an emotional support animal such as a dog could help me a lot. I just don't know if I could take care of it AND myself, it may end up being a distraction from myself and a burden. I'm very conflicted. I don't go out anymore, I might even be too uncomfortable bringing a dog. Sometimes I think it would be nice if someone owned a dog but needed me to watch the dog sometimes, that way it has a home to go home to. Kind of curious if anyone reading has this dilemma about wanting a support animal (pending whether I'd be approved one of course) or not due to the responsibility and "burden" (I don't see pets as a burden... But I get overwhelmed easily, and the pet is #1 to me).

@ajl9740

Жыл бұрын

Just get a healthy pup :) don’t overthink it, if you feel it’ll help give it a shot. I’d suggest adopt or fostering to test the waters atleast

Could you do a video on Asperger’s and ADHD? How many ADHD adults could have Asperger’s that hasn’t been diagnosed.

Hi doctor, Im a big fan of you, i know youve done many videos about bipolar but theres this one thing im very curious about and cant find any source talking abt it. So during an episode, esp a depressive one, can there be a break after two weeks? Like if one is depressed for two weeks, just like the DSM states, theyre experiencing one episode, but then after that two weeks, they feel fine for say 1 or 2 days, so they technically have "finished" their depressive episode, but then the day after that they feel super depressed again, this time for only a few days to say, a week. Does that mean they have a 3 weeks long episode, or do they just have one episode and the rest isnt considered one since it was less than 2 weeks of depression? And then what if it wasnt less than 2 weeks, what if after 2 weeks of depression, they feel fine for 1, 2 days and then feel depressed for another 2 weeks? Is that two consecutive depressive episode, is that even possible, or do they just have one 4 week long episode. Also, if sth rlly bad happens to a person in a hypomanic/manic episode, will they still be euphoric, would they grief, or would they just grief for a while (say a few hours) n then back to being euphoric, and if they fall into depression bcuz of the grief before they reached 4 days to a week of being manic, is it still a manic episode? Same goes w depressive episode, if sth wonderful happens to them, can they be happy? Or simply can they feel happiness while in a depressive episode? I know if they can feel happiness during it, the happiness would be short-lived, but how short? A few minutes? Hours? Days? Im very curious abt these and no one has ever addressed these so i would be very grateful if u can answer them, thank you very much

@sarahsolomon1949

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for asking this question. I've wondered the same thing too. I hope that she sees this and answers this in a separate video if she hadn't addressed this already. She does such a great job at explaining things in ways that we can understand.

@bettievw

2 жыл бұрын

This is something I've wondered as well!

@trungmuoicasshoi9976

2 жыл бұрын

@@sarahsolomon1949 im so glad someone is also curious abt this, ive never seen anyone talks abt it and no source ever mentions it, Dr. Tracy has always been excellent at explaining things so i hope she sees this too!

@trungmuoicasshoi9976

2 жыл бұрын

@@bettievw i thought i was the only one! Ive tried googling this numerous times but nothing ever comes up! I hope Dr. Tracy sees this, her answers r always so informative and easy to understand

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

Wow there’s quite a bit of interest in this. It would take too long to give you a full answer in this comment. I may make a video about it to explain more. But what you’re describing could be what we call ultra rapid cycling where you can have cycling episodes weekly. In this case, your depression could resolve, then quickly come back for another week. With ultra ultra rapid cycling, a person can have daily changes. Every time it returns it’s another episode whether it’s depression or mania. This model applies to bipolar disorder and not unipolar depression. Some people believe rapidly cycling depressive episodes even in the absence of a manic episode is a sign that what you really have is bipolar and you just havent had a manic episode yet

Amen 🙏

Nice video. Dr Marks explains things very clearly. I could use an emotional support concubine. I suppose she must have provided oxytocin release. She was a real animal she was. Seemed more helpful than any non-human animal

Had a question. Ik u make educational videos, but I wanted to let u know something. When someone believe theirs something wrong with them and then watches a video that describes them almost perfectly to them. Guess what, know they fully fully believe it’s true and when u believe something is true or real u adapt to that . I know this cause I fell into the same thing. I believed their was something wrong with me I watched a video called avoidant anxiety or something like that , clans I thought I was fucked cause it described me so accurate. And I was convinced I couldn’t get over it or it was going to be so much harder to get rid of it so I almost gave up already just of the video. But know I decided to follow god and read his words, and now I rly rlly don’t feel like I even have anxiety anymore I can talk normally to ppl at my work and even had a couple convos at the gym like it was normal. Then I saw another vid or yours and realized what your vid did to me. And ofc it’s not your fault and it was kinda my fault for the way I took it as. But most of the time with ppl that do have “mental health issues” is also going to take the video like I did. I rlly don’t know what you can do to change that maybe nothing. But I just wanted to let you know how your vids could me taken the wrong way.

Lost my beautiful BLUE and still trying cope with the loss. San Francisco is very animal friendly. Thanks Dr Marks.🙏🏽

@DrTraceyMarks

2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome Caro. Our animals are indispensable 😊❤️

I don't have a physical disability, but I have intrusive thoughts and anxiety, and its debilitating. I'm not looking to say that I have a disability or looking for special treatment. I have had my dog for 3 years now. When I have a hard time with intrusive thoughts, I have to stop driving for an hour or two. My dog usually comforts me when I have an episode, I am a truck driver and it is effecting my job. I'm not looking to explain myself to any one in wanting a my dog to be an emotional support animal, I've tried to get a letter for my dog, but was denied three times. I'm not sure if it's my dogs breed but would hope that would have nothing to do with it and I'm not sure why. I'm not looking to get into a house anytime soon but would be nice to have it when I decide to stop driving.

My three sugar gliders allow me to remember to feed them as well as myself and they're very entertaining to watch which gets my mind off my PTSD

If these emotional support animals had to pass a test like the Canine Good Citizen test then airlines may have not complained as much.

An important component that people sometimes overlook is that a certified Service Animal is trained to behave flawlessly in public. It isn't just "I need this animal" but also "I promise this animal won't cause problems". If you take a certified service animal into the grocery store they aren't going to touch the food or start barking at another dog. The standard of behavior was set by seeing eye dogs, who obviously can't be running around doing dog stuff while a blind person is relying on them. What gave emotional support animals a bad rap is that they weren't required to be trained at all, so some of them were poorly trained and behaved badly. Anybody could claim their poorly trained pet was an emotional support animal and let it go hog wild in public. Or have an emotional support animal in their apartment that they leave home alone for 10 hours a day, both causing irritation for the neighbours and proving that they don't actually need it with them providing emotional support at all times. My mom has a certified service dog and not only can it go everywhere with her, it MUST go everywhere with her. Part of the agreement with the agency that supplied the dog is that it can never be left alone for more than 2 hours. The dog never barks -- not at other dogs, squirrels, cats, nothing. When she visits a grocery store her nose is going a mile a minute, but she never touches anything (unless ordered to pick something up). She's a lab so she loves everyone and loves getting rambunctious at play time, but when she has her vest on she's working 100%. It is a privilege and a responsibility.

@phoenixbellajinx1744

Жыл бұрын

Hey just letting you know that their is no certifications for service dogs at all. Any "certifications" are scams, i highly recommend looking up ADA service dogs.

@Ausgar-yc1yl

9 ай бұрын

There is NO such thing as a certified service animal.

The world needs more people like you Doc, explainig things the way you did in this video. Keep it up! by the way, I'm so curious to know if your zodiac sign is virgo, cause it really seems so..

My “esa” rabbit is trained to sense when I’m having a panic attack and sit on my lap and signal for me trying to get me to lay down then do pressure therapy on my chest to calm me down but I don’t have a therapist what should I do because I wanna make him official my esa cause I’ve had a severe anxiety disorder sense I was very little and Milo is the only thing that actually gets me out of my episodes and calm me, I really don’t think I would be able to live without Milo, I really want to be able to get him certified so I can bring him to college with me, I’m currently in high school, and have parents that think that therapy is a waste of money so I’m kinda stuck, but it really pisses me off when ppl fake esas and servíce dogs so i would never use one of those sites cause I don’t really know it doesn’t feel right for the reason ppl use it for that