Hello,
My name and Ally and I have been diagnosed with depression and anxiety since I was twelve years old. Some background information before I ask my question. I am now almost 20 years old and I am a freshman at a local college. My anxiety leads to severe panic attacks that normally include vomiting and they happen at least one a week on my good weeks, and up to three times a day on the bad weeks.
Currently I live on campus, however I go home every weekend so my mom can buy me more food and get all the supplies needed for the week. I am unable to grocery shop by myself, and am rarely able to go even with a family member. Because of my anxiety I don’t leave my dorm room unless I am going to class, and the lack of interacting with other college students has caused me to get more depressed and has lead to some suicidal thoughts. I am currently on medicine but even with increased doses has not helped. Class is hard for me, but it is the only thing I manage to do on a daily bases.
My question is would I qualify for a psychiatric service dog? I have done some research and I believe a psychiatric service dog would benefit me, but I am unclear if I would qualify. I already have a emotional support dog, and he has benefitted me greatly but because he is not a service dog I am unable to take him to college with me.
I also know that this is something I need to bring up with my psychiatrist, but I have a hard time speaking with him by myself, and my parents are unsupportive of me getting a service dog.
My hopes is with the tasks the dog would perform that I would be able to gain independence from my parents and start integrating myself into society.