What should I do?

Question

I was diagnosed with depression and I wanted to get an emotional support animal since I am at college. My dad told me that if I brought it home that he would stop paying for my tuition. I can’t afford school on my own. What should I do?

Answer

You don't need a dog to help with your depression. There are other ways to cope until such a time that you can get a dog if you need one. I was diagnosed at 17 with depression and I wasn't even allowed to get medication. I used my creativity to help me cope. I drew, I painted, I made stuff.

Answer

Emotional support dogs are not classed as service dogs and therefore do not have the same rights, so just remember that you need to be able to function without this animal, so you need to learn other coping skills for when you're not at home

Answer

There’s other ways to treat depression than emotional support animals. I’d try other options first.

Answer

Why is your dad so against a support animal? I agree there are other ways to cope and you should explore those. An emotional support animal is allot of responsibility on top of your other school commitments.
If being with animals helps you consider volunteering some time each week to a local rescue. You can groom, play with and exercise the dogs, cats, or whatever animals interest you. 
I volunteered at a local horse rescue for a year or so and loved it. I got done time with creatures that made me feel safe and secure without the time and money commitment of owning one. It was very good for my depression, so was finding things like reading, crocheting, and writing which helped me express my feelings without feeling like I was a burden to someone who had to listen.

Answer

Do you live in the dorms? Emotional support animals are not service dogs and usually cannot live in dorms anyway.

Answer

Animals can help so much but just for depression is a bit much unless you're able to be with the animal at all times. They still need 24/7 care even if they are a service animal. You can't just leave it at home while you're going to school and it sounds like your Dad wouldn't take care of it while you're gone. I think you need to go to therapy and maybe even see a psychologist for medication and continue with school. When you're all done and are living on your own and not relying on your Dad to pay your tuition and if you're able to be with the animal at all times, then you could get a service animal if you felt that you needed it.

Answer

I have depression as well and thought the same thing about getting an emotional support dog. My husband and I decided to get a dog, but it actually made my anxiety and depression worse.
If it is a make or break for your dad, maybe hold off until after school when you have your own place and can have a pet and not worry about your dad not wanting you have one.
In the mean time, maybe find a hobby to keep you distracted and your mind occupied. After we discovered that a dog wouldn’t help with my depression, I took up painting and photography. 
School is important, but so it your mental health. If you really think a pet would help, have a serious talk with your dad.

What should I do?

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