[jaz1278]

I was wondering if anyone one here uses a service dog? I have a dog that is trained to be a hearing dog (I am severely hearing impaired) but she has stepped up to help with the mood swings too.
The problem I am having is that I think I might be heading towards a hospital stay. I am so up right now even though my thoughts are so dark. I have been unable to keep my temper and haven't been able to concentrate on anything at work.
I don't know how I am going to be able to deal without her and I don't know how well she will do without me. Does anyone have any practical knowledge on this? She is the main reason I haven't got to the hospital already and am depending on my husband, friends, and her to keep me in check.

[faerie_moon_x]

No, I don't have a service dog. My mother in law has a dog which isn't a trained service dog but which is deemed "emotional support" by her doctor.

Dogs can be super sensitive to the chemical changes in the body. I know they have dogs that can tell if you're having hypoglycemia or go into a seizure. So, I think our moods are caused by sudden shifting chemicals which is why meds can be helpful. (this is my theory by the way.) So a service dog who can "sniff out" depression or mania would be pretty awesome.

I think if you have a servive dog you should be allowed to take her to the hospital with you. If she's a real deal service dog with papers and so on, I think that's the law that she can go wherever you go. It's part of the ADA I think. But call the hospital and ask them.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm thinking about getting my dog trained as a service dog but it takes a lot of time and money. I have difficulties deciding what skills would suit our family.

[Anneinside]

ADA does say you can take your service dog into places a dog is not usually allowed. However, most psych wards are locked and you couldn't take her outside to the bathroom. As much as you rely on the dog, I would still leave her at home with your husband.

[jaz1278]

Thanks for the answers everyone. Star was trained by an organization that is certified by ADI (assistants dogs international) so she is a fully trained service dog with state tags and all. I didn't even think about the locked doors and the potty issues. I think that I will have her stay with her trainer if I do go. I am trying to put it off if I can. I haven't been to the hospital before for this. I have always let my family deal with me but I am losing it with my kids and I don't want to go off at one of them because I am irrationally mad at one of them for something stupid.