[ThisWayOut]

It has been recommended to me for several years now (by pdocs, therapists, and my pcp) to try to get a service dog for my ptsd. I took the step today to contact a training center about training one of my own dogs (because she already seems attuned to my dissociation, depression, and flashbacks). I'm wondering though, what she really could do at least for the dissociation. I know she could probably fit the defenition of an emotional support dog, but I'm not sure what else she could do...

Does anyone have a PTSD or Depression (or any mental health issue) service dog? I was trying to look into it, and the examples they give for PTSD dogs wouldn't fit my symptoms so much. My flashbacks are mostly emotional and physical sensations. There's very little outward evidence of them. Right now, she's just more present and literally in my face when they happen. It helps in grounding... I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the severity of the symptoms that would warrent a "service dog" label. Also, would needing a dog around for personal accountability and safety meet the requirements of having a service dog? (I am much more self-aware and cautious when I have my dogs around vs when I am by myself. I take fewer risks when triggered, and would never attempt to harm myself around them).

I guess I'm questioning the professionals' understanding of what a service dog could actually do for me, and maybe get my thoughts in order around what to ask the program. Am I being unrealistic about what a service dog could do for me?

Would it qualify if I need my dog to be able to help ground from either flashbacks or dissociation more effectively, remain physically safe from myself when triggered, help keep functioning when the depression gets really bad, help drag me out of a crowded/anxiety-provoking situation, stuff like that? This stuff is not necessarily a daily occurence, but when it does hit (goes in cycles of weeks or months) it is very debilitating.

I think I also am wondering if I'm not just enamored with the concept of being able to take my dog with me everywhere... I can see the benefits of having her there and trained during stressful situations, but is that then conceding that I'm more messed-up than I want to believe myself to be? Does getting a service dog mean I'm hopeless? If I get to a point of "remission" enough to be able to function more freely on a daily basis, would I need to give up my service dog? Will this end up making me feel as defeated as the disability determination did? while having disability helps in so many ways, it also makes me feel so hopeless about recovery and how well I can manage my life... I must be really ****ed-up to have qualified. Would having a service dog, while hugely helpful in the day-to-day of the ptsd and depression, also just prove to me how worthless I am?

[Mike_J]

I have depression but never had a service dog for it. But my dog Sara, how has unfortunately pass away was GREAT with helping me with depression. When I was feeling down she would search me out where ever I was in the house and insist on laying next to me. It was SO good to know that there was a living creature that cared about me, and wanted to comfort me.

So I'm very pro service dogs for mental illness of any sort.

[ThisWayOut]

Sara sounds like she was an awesome dog. I'm sorry for your loss

I heard back from the trainer, and I don't think I can afford it at this time. The cost is more than half my yearly income, so I would have to do some fund-raising. I'm not totally sure how to accomplish that...

I have been trying to figure out if my insurance will conver it, but I am finding conflicting info online. I suppose I just need to call them at this point.

[ladyIAM]

Hi Thiswayout

Don't think of having a service dog as a sign of defeat. It really is a sign that you are moving forward and working towards a brighter future. Staying home, hiding and battling your demons alone are signs of defeat. Anything that helps you get out will build your confidence and improve your mood which is the whole point of a service or therapy dog.

My dog goes everywhere with me but hasn't qualified for her vest yet. Still there are many places that allow her in with me and she is perfectly behaved. She is a natural at knowing when to distract me and when to just sit calmly and let me pet her. If she didn't do this so well I would never leave my house. When the terror strikes she brings me back to reality. My PTSD is mostly emotional and tactile with vivid flashbacks to the feelings I felt.

My dog goes to finish her training at the end of the month and I can't wait until she has that vest so she can be beside me always.
A service dog is liberating and will give me the freedom to be a better person.

Take care and be well

I think it would be great for you.

I have two dogs who distract me from flashbacks and make my life better.

[Parley]

Dogs and PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Just thought i'd share this because it explains how the VA's National Center for PTSD views service dogs and emotional support dogs.

I got a dog a few months ago and he's been great. I got him from the SPCA so I don't know who had him before but he's had some training. We got really lucky with him.

Hopefully things will work out and you can get some assistance from insurance to help finance the training. Best of luck to ya.