[AllyLee]

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.

[lilypup]

Welcome to PC!
I don't know much about service dogs. If you already have a support dog, maybe you can ask that group about another.
I wish you well with your anxiety problems. Good for you for going to college...that is quite a challenge! Hugs

[confusedbyself]

I am in the process of a waiting list for a service dog. What it required for me was a letter from my t explaining my diagnosis (ptsd), am application that included my issues and start I hoped to gain from a service dog. The biggest part is finding an agency to work with unless you have lots of money to just pay for one. The one I am with requires fundraising until you get almost $23,000.!!! There is also a long wait, usually years, so it's not a quick fix or help but I am hoping worth it.

[handheart]

Well if you think that this will help you out fight for this solution .Also i will sugest you to learn as much as you can about subconstient mind because all problem of us are hydden there and if you know how to influence him it will let our your anxiety .A good book that i will recomend you its called the power of subconstient mind by joseph murphy you can find it on google .Good luck to you and be happy all the time

[gayleggg]

I would check to see what it would take to get your emotional support dog qualified as a psychiatric service dog. Maybe with some training you could get him/her certified.