Disabled label

[understandable]

Hi everyone. I'm new. I have suffered from anxiety and Panic attacks since I was a small child. My family tried herbal remedies until I was 18 when I had become agoraphobic and didn't leave the house for 3 months. I'm now 30 and still suffer anxiety and anxiety attacks (No panic attacks thanks to the meds) but can function, hold down a job, and even go shopping. I was really interested in an anxiety service dog but you have to be disabled in some form to get one. Technically speaking, anxiety still heavily restricts my life so I could probably qualify as disabled but I don't want disability benefits of any kind. I just want the label so I'm allowed to purchase the dog. I can hold down a job. I've always responded really well to animals which is why I think this could change my life.
Anyone have any idea what I can do? Does anyone else have a psych dog? How did you go about getting it?

[Ritch]

I am unsure as to what the difference is between an anxiety service dog and a regular dog. From what I have just quickly read the dogs help individuals overcome certain obstacles and remove some impairment. If you are able to hold down a job it may be difficult to demonstrate to others that anxiety heavily restricts your life, I know that you can hold down a job and still be restricted but they may not view it that way. I would also advise against pursuing a label because in some cases it cannot be removed and possibly experience prejudice because of it.


If you really respond well to animals why not purchase a puppy and bring it up yourself? whether they have been specially trained or not dogs usually are great companions regardless of training.

Would an anxiety service dog be allowed to go to work with you etc where as a regular dog wouldnt? is that the part I am missing :)

[needtogetwell]

Hi understandable,

Welcome to the forum.

I don't know what country you live in but I can speak a little to this issue as it relates to Canada.

Service animals, and especially dogs, are extremely valuable for those who have difficulty coping in society as a whole. The biggest increase of service animals recently is in the area of assisting people who are autistic, and those who suffer with extreme anxiety issues.

The initial cost of a service dog is at least $25,000. Unfortunately quite prohibitive for many.

I do believe that if you feel this is a good direction for you then go forward and investigate all options and what is involved in acquiring one. Don't be surprised if there is quite a lengthy wait list however.

My opinion on the disability label differs from Ritch's. I don't disagree that there are times you don't want to have that label, but the way I look at it is.. It's no ones business as to why you have or what type of disability you have, the point is you do have one and the nature of it is the concern of you and your doctor.

In Canada, we have very very strict privacy laws regarding any type of disability or medical information . If your doctor is willing to sign the appropriate required paperwork, then go for it. Just because you have a piece of paper that states you have a disability, you don't have to claim any benefits. If this is what you need to get a service dog then more power to you.

Good luck!
Pam

[Ritch]

Thats kind of what I meant pam I guess I didn't articulate it very well :)

I totally agree that it is nobody's business why you have a service dog as it is a private/personal matter and people SHOULD mind their own business unfortunately sometimes they don't but that's their problem not yours. The issue I have encountered around having a label is that it prevented me from being able to pursue a career in the armed forces.... because I had been treated for anxiety/depression I had to be anxiety depression free for three years before I could be considered again. So I guess that's why I'm hesitant around labels but as Pam said if it is something you really want and it is a viable option in your country then go for it :)

[Ponder]

With posts like these - no wonder I am fucking hung up on being on Disability. MONEY MONEY MONEY - Stigma no longer reflects the meaning - I think Hatred is a better word. Fuck the money side of it - You do realize there are other Benifits than just the fucking MONEY to being on disability!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone wants to know why regardless of privacy and that's what drives the stigma ... it's as lame as saying - "that's just the way it is" Because it fucking aint.

[Ritch]

What did I miss? ^^^^

[needtogetwell]

Agree Ponder, money is definitely the least of it, in my mind anyway.

If I understand you correctly you are equating the stigma of disability with hatred. I don't disagree at all. Have seen it first hand with an autistic child.

[understandable]

Ponder, I think you misunderstand me here. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with someone on disability. A close friend of mine is on it due to seizures. My grandmother was on it due to a debilitating back injury but I also know someone who could hold down a job, participate in society and just chose not to. They scam the system and I don't want people to think I'm trying to get on disability when I am capable, no matter how hard it is for me. You see my medications are doing less and less for me and I am watching my world get smaller and smaller. I am seeking alternatives ways besides more pills to live. I hope you understand that I meant no disrespect and I am well aware there is more the disability system than a monthly check. And while I understand you were angry, I don't feel the swearing was really necessary.

Have a good day anyway!

[understandable]

On a happier note: I have my doctor's support for getting a psychiatric service dog. I still am facing a very steep uphill battle to acquire the funding but I have completed step one.

You can read my story here:
gofundme.com/9j91kc

I talk a little about my background and what I'm trying to accomplish. You're welcome to drop by there just to read it!