Bipolar Treatment & Recovery with Pets

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An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a companion pet that offers support to an owner who has a mental or emotional health condition by reduce their owner’s anxiety and the feelings of alienation.* #1) Bradley Cooper The “Silver Linings Playbook” actor can often be found taking his beloved Chow-retriever mix, Charlotte, for a walk. He...

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The various roles of service, emotional support, and therapy animals can get confusing; we break it down: Service Animals These animals are mostly dogs, and are trained to perform assistive tasks for people with physical disabilities. They are sometimes referred to as support animals or assistance animals, depending on the animal’s function. For a service...

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These are just some of the canine breeds that help symptoms of bipolar disorder: Labrador Retriever Besides being extremely loyal and obedient, Labs seem to be the most happy and playful dogs around. And because they are most joyful outside playing, this encourages their owners to get some exercise. They also have high intelligence and...

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Pets can heal us in unexpected ways. I never thought our cat would become a lifeline, but she has proved to be the sassy support I need (and love!). During my later childhood years, we shared our family home with pet dogs, and I came to learn about how they can help ease the symptoms...

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When our dog, Charlie, entered our lives, he truly made us a family. In grieving him, I take solace in what he taught me about presence, sensitivity, and play. Grieving My Best Friend Our five-year-old, vibrant dog, Charlie, unexpectedly experienced heart distress on New Year’s Eve day. Four days later, he stopped eating and made...

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Missy is much more than a psychiatric service dog—she’s a devoted companion and best friend always there to offer comfort and love. Names: Ashley and Missy (dog) Missy’s Age: 9 years old First meeting: When she was 8 weeks old. Picked her up, then took her to training right away. Is Missy an Emotional Support Animal?...

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Dogs are sensitive creatures. Just as your dog can alert you to an intruder, he or she may also help you recognize a mood swing. While I helped set up our moose camp deep in the Talkeetna Mountains, my 10-month old puppy, Lapua, a lanky, 50-pound, Great Pyrenees-husky-boxer mix, set up her own vantage point...

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Michael is a loving companion to his owner who knows how to help her find comfort and companionship wherever she goes. Names: C.H. & Michael (Dog) Michael’s Age: 10 years old First meeting: 10 years ago Is Michael an Emotional Support Animal? No How does Michael brighten your day? Michael stays with me all the time...

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Joey is much more than a pet: she’s a fearless and steadfast friend to her owner, always there to listen, inspire a smile and to love unconditionally. Names: A.A. & Joey (Dog) Joey’s Age: 11 years old First meeting: 9 years ago Is Joey an Emotional Support Animal? Yes How does Joey brighten your day? Joey...

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Sunny truly lives up to his name and is always there to cheer and comfort his owner, even through the toughest depressive episodes. Names: A.M.  (human) & Sunny (Domestic short-haired tabby) Sunny’s Age: 1 1/2 years old First meeting: I was fostering and received a call about three two week old kittens.  They were very...

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Dogs can provide valuable support to people living with bipolar, from easing isolating feelings to providing a healthy outlet for hypomanic energy   I have a little guy whom I refer to as my “bipolar therapy dog.” His name is Ryder and he is a 7-year-old Papillon with long hair and ears that point up...

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Harlow certainly knows how to comfort her owner with plenty of cuddles and they share a bond founded on unconditional love that is truly unique. Names: Stacey  (human) & Harlow (French Bulldog) Harlow’s Age: 5 years old First meeting: August 5, 2015 Is Harlow an Emotional Support Animal? Yes How does Harlow brighten your day? I have...

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Experts warn that all the time you spend staring at your phone can make your dog feel lonely, isolated—and depressed.   It’s time to break that habit of constantly scrolling through social media on your cell phone—for a heartbreaking reason that goes beyond human emotions. Dogs may feel depressed and isolated when their owners are...

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Pets can provide invaluable support to help you cope with anxiety, from helping you to feel more secure to getting enough exercise. Anxiety can severely impact your quality of life. If you live with anxiety, it can be difficult to leave your home, talk to other people, or even get sufficient sleep at night. You can...

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Buddy and his owner are there for each other for support and comfort after they have overcome major life challenges together. Names: Ernest & Buddy (Havanese terrier) Buddy’s Age: 2 years First meeting: 4 months ago Is Buddy an Emotional Support Animal? Yes How does Buddy brighten your day? Buddy is more than an emotional...

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Our companion animals can help us offset stress, fend off loneliness, socialize, and much more. When Barbara D. is so down she can’t get out of bed, her 14-year-old Himalayan cat, Elmo, literally gets in her face. “He will walk up, in a very pushy way you can’t ignore,” says Barbara, 54. “He’ll stick his...

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While isolating from others may feel like the best way to find relief from social anxiety, there are some simple ways you can face these feelings and find lasting relief Mental health struggles can affect almost every aspect of your life. A person with bipolar disorder can have a wide range of other issues as...

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At the difficult time of losing a pet, it’s important to have a plan in place to prevent bipolar disorder symptoms from taking hold.   My beloved kitty Bibi is gone. I was ready for her death and want to share with you what I’m doing in order to keep myself stable while going through...

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Stella Star’s sensitivity to moods and her endless cuddles help keep her owner stable, and the responsibility also provides an added sense of purpose. Names: Heather & Stella Star (Dog)   Stella Star ’s Age: 4 years   First meeting: 9/11/15   Is Stella Star an Emotional Support Animal? Yes   How does Stella Star brighten...

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Kookie’s unconditional love and warm presence are just what her owner needs when experiencing stress and anxiety. Names: Alondra (human) & Kookie (Lab/retriever mix)   Kookie ’s Age: 3 years   First meeting: At an animal shelter about two years ago.   Is Kookie an Emotional Support Animal? No   How does Kookie brighten your day?...

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Prior studies have found dogs to be highly responsive to human crying. But Sanford’s team is the first to show that dogs who detect emotional distress will hurry to do something about it.   July 17, 2018 — Dogs are thought to be very aware of people’s emotions, but if a pup’s owner were really...

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The unique bond between Kimmie and her owner overflows with support, companionship, and unconditional love. Names: Callie J. (human) & Kimmie (horse) Kimmie ’s Age: 1.5 years First meeting: At her birth Is Kimmie an Emotional Support Animal?  No How does Kimmie brighten your day? Kimmie has the same type of personality as me. She...

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Suggestions to help you get a handle on your anger. 1. Ask yourself questions When you feel yourself on the verge of anger ask: Is this really what I want to do? Do I want to have this conversation or explosion now? Maybe I should wait until I feel better. Answering “no” could buy you...