Prior to the pandemic, the rate of emotional support animals needed for students struggling with anxiety and depression was already increasing, but now they are more important than ever.
Between managing remote classes, staying on top of assignment deadlines and trying to avoid catching COVID-19, life as a college student right now is extremely stressful, not to mention past traumas, disorders and disabilities that so many already face every day.
Animals seem to have a sixth sense about them that drives them to comfort their owner during times in need, which brings comfort and peace. For students who are diagnosed with anxiety, post–traumatic stress disorder and other disorders or disabilities, Emotional Support Animals play a vital role in their academic journey.
Beverly D. Holbrook, clinical supervisor at Winthrop’s Health and Counseling Services, shared her experience and knowledge on ESAs.
“Through the years, I have had many clients who have had ESAs. I would say that the vast majority of them have not only benefited from having an ESA but have thrived because of them,” Holbrook said.
Some students who do not need an ESA may think that special privileges are given, however, those who have them on campus have not only gone through the proper requirements but indeed have legitimate needs and recommendations from therapists.
On the Winthrop website, clear policy and guidelines are set for ESAs.
“The university recognizes the importance of emotional support animals to students with disabilities and has an established policy unique to this category of animals,” the website reads.
An Emotional Support Animal Disability Verification Form must be completed by the student’s licensed counselor, as well as their roommates agreeing to live with the ESA.
“ESAs often have a very positive impact on clients who experience anxiety and depression,” Holbrook said. “That is why many people diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder benefit from an emotional support animal. The ESA often provides unconditional regard for a person who is hurting.”
Only in recent years have universities been made aware of this need for ESAs, but many are now embracing the idea and adopting more ways of using them to help students. Many universities now even have therapy dogs or other animals, such as Emory University and Oklahoma State University. While not everyone must have or are approved for an ESA living on campus, therapy animals make a very positive impact.
Some benefits The Animal Health Foundation lists when it comes to having a pet include, getting more physical activity, less stress (due to their calming effect) and even low blood sugar detection by dogs who have been trained to smell the change and alert their owners.
In general, animals can help brighten the day, regardless of whether or not their owners must depend on an ESA or not. For students who are commuters and are able to have a pet, it may not be a bad idea, especially while so much of our social lives have been put on hold when it comes to parties and events due to COVID-19.
However, having a pet requires a lot of attention and responsibility. In particular, there are many risks involved in having an ESA at college.
“I love animals just as much as other people but I also realize not everybody needs an animal because sometimes it’s a danger to the animal if they are neglected due to the person being unable to properly care for them,” Dr. Gretchen Baldwin, a licensed psychologist and clinical coordinator for Winthrop’s Counseling Services, said.
Baldwin also discussed the risk of having an ESA around roommates and others.
“What if the animal is disruptive? What if it were to bite someone? That could be traumatic and cause more stress,” Baldwin said.
Just like any pet, having an emotional support animal at college is a huge responsibility, and not for everyone. Yet, those who are a good match and have the proper documentation to submit a request for an ESA are likely to benefit from the comfort and joy that animals often bring to us as humans.
Photo by Tate Walden
