Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that affects many people, causing extreme highs and lows. It can be difficult to navigate this roller-coaster ride of mania and depression. However, there is help available in the form of assistance dogs. These dogs, with their soft padded paws and companionable attitude, are becoming support animals for individuals with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues. Dogs are emotive creatures capable of understanding human feelings, so the question arises: can they sense bipolar disorder?
Signs a Dog Could Sense Bipolar Disorder
Dogs have unique senses that can give them an edge over humans in sensing and responding to emotional distress. An inspiring story shared by The Mighty tells of a young woman named Kelly who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She struggled until she met a rescue dog named Henry, who became her emotional support dog. Henry’s unconditional love changed Kelly’s life, making dark days easier to bear. Service dogs can be trained to sense chemical changes in the body, which can help prevent panic attacks or manic states. They can also be trained to bring a mobile phone or dial 911 in case of emergencies.
The Impact of Dogs on Bipolar Disorder
Dogs have a remarkable ability to lift mood and provide support to individuals with bipolar disorder. Their presence during manic episodes can help prevent hallucinations, delusions, and seizures. These support dogs can alert their handlers if they have forgotten to take medication or if a manic or depressive event is about to begin. Additionally, they can help their handler stay mobile when medication causes dizziness or imbalance. Dogs seem to instinctively know when a human is in trouble and can provide comfort and hope during difficult times.
Body Language and Other Signs
There are several signs that a dog might sense bipolar disorder. These include being alert, barking, guarding, wagging their tail, pacing, and play-bowing. Dogs may also comfort their person, lay close by, encourage their owner to go out, and sense chemical changes in the body. Their ability to pick up on these cues can be invaluable in providing support and assistance.
History of Emotional Support Dogs
Throughout history, there has been recognition and treatment of mental disorders, but people with psychiatric problems were often marginalized. However, in the 1800s, the field of psychiatry was established, and in the 1900s, advancements in medication and understanding of the human brain were made. The term “bipolar” was first mentioned in the 1950s. Today, there is more empathy and a willingness to help individuals with mental health issues, and dogs have played a significant role in this support.
The Science Behind Dogs Sensing Bipolar Disorder
Science has shown that spending time with dogs can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing anxiety and loneliness while promoting safety and self-esteem. Interacting with dogs releases oxytocin, the love hormone, which helps calm individuals and decreases blood pressure and heart rate. Dogs also possess this hormone and experience an increase in oxytocin levels when gazing into their owners’ eyes. This interplay can be particularly beneficial during manic bipolar episodes, as dogs can bring their handlers back from frightening events.
Training Psychiatric Service Dogs
Psychiatric service dogs offer 24/7 care and support individuals with mental illness. They are trained to perform a variety of tasks, including waking their handlers up and calling for emergency help. It can take up to 1-2 years to train a certified psychiatric service dog. Preferred breeds for this type of work include Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers. These dogs are trained to impede panic attacks, check rooms for their handlers, and provide support during turbulent mood swings.
Conclusion
Having a psychiatric service dog can provide individuals with bipolar disorder a sense of safety and independence. These dogs offer comfort and support at all times, helping their handlers navigate the challenges of bipolar disorder. While emotional support dogs rely on their natural empathy, psychiatric service dogs undergo extensive training to meet the specific needs of their handlers. Dogs have a remarkable ability to sense and respond to their handlers’ emotional states, making them invaluable companions for individuals with bipolar disorder.
“Dogs, with their innate ability to understand human emotions, have become invaluable companions for individuals with bipolar and other mental health issues.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Dogs can sense bipolar disorder: Dogs have an innate ability to sense and understand human emotions, including detecting chemical changes in the body that may indicate a manic or depressive episode. They can provide support and alert their owners to potential episodes or medication reminders.
2️⃣ Emotional support dogs vs. psychiatric service dogs: Emotional support dogs offer natural empathy and companionship, while psychiatric service dogs undergo extensive training to provide specific tasks and assistance to individuals with mental illnesses like bipolar disorder. These tasks may include impeding panic attacks, checking rooms for safety, and even using a phone to call for help.
3️⃣ Benefits of having a psychiatric service dog: Having a psychiatric service dog can help individuals with bipolar disorder feel safe, supported, and more independent. These dogs can provide emotional support, help manage mood swings, and reduce anxiety and loneliness. Their presence and trained tasks can greatly improve the overall well-being and quality of life for someone with bipolar disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs sense bipolar disorder?
– The text suggests that dogs can sense bipolar disorder and can be trained to help people with the condition.
2. What signs might indicate that a dog can sense bipolar disorder?
– Signs that a dog might sense bipolar disorder include alertness, barking, guarding, wagging their tail, pacing, and play-bowing.
3. How do dogs help people with bipolar disorder?
– Dogs can help people with bipolar disorder by sensing chemical changes in the body, alerting their owners to take medication, providing emotional support, and assisting during manic or depressive episodes.
4. What is the history of mental disorders and the use of therapy dogs?
– The text mentions that therapy dogs have been used to help soldiers with morale in past wars, and organizations like Canine Companions for Independence and Therapy Dogs International were formed to promote the use of therapy dogs.
5. How are psychiatric service dogs trained?
– Psychiatric service dogs are trained to support individuals with mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder. They are trained to perform various tasks such as waking their handlers up, calling for emergency help, impeding panic attacks, and checking rooms for safety. The training process can take up to 1-2 years.
