By: Katie Beth Haidet
Fayetteville, ARK (UATV) – Students are finding new ways to cope with mental health issues.
Local apartment complexes are starting to see a rise in emotional support animal applications.
One student at the University of Arkansas, Leanna Cobb said her life has improved since she adopted her two cats.
“There was a dark cloud following me everywhere I went and there was literally nothing to look forward to or to be here for and he saved my life. No doubt about it,” Cobb said.
According to Signature Health, dogs can increase someone’s dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels. Those are known as “feel good” chemicals that the brain releases to improve happiness.
One way to help boost mental health is getting out and getting active. Having a pet allows the owner’s to be more active than before by having to take them on walks. It also allows owner’s to become more social. Pets create something to talk about as a conversation “buffer” for someone who might experience social anxiety.
Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets that can be emotional support animals.
One local apartment employee, Dylan Parnell said there is a list of animals that can be considered emotional support.
“Any animal that can be considered domesticated can be approved; a bird, a flamingo, a zebra, a horse,” Parnell said.
Emotional support animals are classified differently than service animals. Service animals are working animals and are welcomed in public places through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emotional support animals are companion animals that are only welcomed in non-pet housing and airplanes.
Next year, a local apartment complex is expecting a 16% rise in applicants. This year they experienced 11% of residents to apply for an emotional support animals and expect 27% to apply in the following year.
“I’ve been in the industry for three years and it’s becoming more and more common,” Parnell said.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, about 40 million adults experience depression.
Cobb said her animals have helped her build her self-esteem and have never made her feel alone.
“They love me regardless of anything I do or anything that happens if I fail or mess up and make a mistake. They are always going to love me no matter what,” Cobb said.