Paw Print Editor: Brianna Robles
Sometimes the transition to college life can be an exhilarating yet challenging experience. Having to adjust to classes, assignments, and even a new state for some college can be overwhelming and cause a bit of stress or anxiety, which is why maybe welcoming a furry presence into the lives of students may not be such a bad idea.
Emotional support animals (ESA) offer various benefits to individuals with emotional or mental health challenges as they provide companionship and emotional support, helping reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Emotional support and stress reduction should be the number one priority as mental health is a significant subject. Interacting with an ESA can lower stress levels and release oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and relaxation as well as help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, offering a sense of purpose and motivation for their owners. College life often comes with its fair share of stress. Whether it's exams, assignments, or the pressures of being away from home, having pets on campus can provide much-needed emotional support.
The soothing presence of dogs, cats, or even therapy animals has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels among students. The presence of an ESA often leads to improved mood and increased happiness as well as reduces feelings of isolation and withdrawal by providing constant companionship. Pets have a remarkable ability to boost mental well-being. Their unconditional love and companionship can help combat feelings of loneliness and depression, which are not uncommon among college students. The responsibility of caring for a pet can also provide a sense of purpose and routine. Caring for an ESA establishes a daily routine, which can be especially helpful for individuals with mood disorders.
Many colleges and universities now offer therapy animal programs that bring trained animals to campus. These programs provide on-demand stress relief during high-pressure times, such as finals week. Therapy animals are known for their calming influence and can help students relax and refocus. Colleges that allow pets often have strict policies and guidelines to ensure the well-being of both the pets and the students. These policies promote responsible pet ownership and create a safe and respectful environment for all. From offering emotional support and reducing stress to fostering a sense of community and promoting responsible pet ownership, pets bring an array of benefits to college life, like my cat Kylo.
Kylo is the emotional support animal that I adopted from the shelter three years ago and he has changed my life more than I can imagine. When I adopted Kylo he was six months old and at the time I was experiencing depression and a lot of anxiety with school, life, running, and the passing of my grandfather. With Kylo by my side, I was able to cope with all the emotions as he was able to provide me with comfort and companionship. He helped reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness through his presence. However, something to take note of is that emotional support animals, require a valid prescription from a mental health professional to be officially recognized as such to allow them to accompany their owners.
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