ESD vs. PSD?

[labs4ever]

Depression like all mental health issues  takes work, true.  and it is hard work.  For me part of this includes medication.  If I am not on the right dosages of meds,  I am not at a good  baseline to be able to do that work.    And EVEN after you learn to do other coping skills besides meds,  it still takes energy to do it.   I agree the  "you just need to"  is   a comment that people  often make who cant'  understand.  unles they have been through it and even then,  everyone deals with  the same disorder wether it be physical or  mental  in different ways, what works for one does not work for all. and people have different severity levles.   I thinkw e can ALL agree that one thing that keeps people with metnal illnesses back is the  medicial system itslef!  If socidety actually treated mental illness the way they do a lot of physical ones then   we would all get better faster,  but also  time is involved here, skillled teachers, time and   many factores play a role in "getting better'  and some people never get better from depression, look at suicide....   

[robbertbobbert]

Roxie you really have had quite the life, haven't you? I admire your strength in your beliefs, it's just that not everyone copes the same.

I've developed some awesome coping strategies recently, so I know how it is to start from the bottom up.

[Roxie]

it's just that not everyone copes the same

Never said they did!!! (the "same", that is!) Sounds to me like an excuse! lol

ALL people cope. That is how humans have survived. They just have to make the decision to develop the skills that move them forward - should that be what they want. Or make the decision to be where they really don't want to be.

Many people purposefully choose to do everything in their power to not cope! They work exceptionally hard at creating smokescreens and excuses why they shouldn't have to cope (usually centered around their life is too complex, has been too hard, has been too sad or scarey - and not taking responsibility for their mental wellness. They were "victims".) and someone else needs to accomodate them and take responsibility for them. And that IS their way of coping!

Again: doing those extra couple of pushes: why not! One of those pushes just could be the key/answer someone is seeking! One never knows!

[robbertbobbert]

I agree Roxie! The point I'm trying to make is that one of your coping strategies is to believe you have a choice as to which emotions you feel. That's great! That's just not everyone.

I can't choose how things make me feel, but I sure can choose how I respond to them and I can choose not to let them control me.

[Roxie]

Excellent point! I agree!!

[Samwich]

I've been a trainer for 20 years. I respect the training that goes into medical service dogs. I can't imagine trying to take Sam anywhere pets aren't welcome, as a psychiatric assistance dog without having a very good reason for doing so.

I didn't even think about attempting it, even after he started alerting on my panic attacks, until someone directed me to a list of psychiatric alert dog tasks and I realized I needed about 3/4 of them. And even though I'm a trainer myself, I'm not a pet dog trainer, so I'm asking a friend who's APDT certified to help.

When I started thinking about it seriously, I sat down and considered Sam as if he were an "outside" dog in for training. My main concern was his weaknesses. He's a teenager and a little protective of mommy - priority one. He's a working sheepdog and at the stage where he'll ignore a recall if he reallyreallyreallyreally wants to go herd the sheep (only an issue at herding competitions, but still). Oddly, though off leash manners are nearly 100% because of his herding training, his on leash need serious rehab - !

Then I compiled the list of formal assistance behaviors we'd like (I consulted with the rest of the family also). We prioritized these. The family was a big help here.

One or two I thought would be good, my hubby nixed altogether. He moved one up the list to the first tier - get a drink from the fridge. He'd noticed if I get something hot or cold to drink it "reconnects" me with the world.

The point is that this stage took an entire week. I am training a specific "serendipitous" dog, fitting a dog for the job instead of finding a dog that would fit the job. I recognize this makes it a good deal harder and there's a huge potential for emotional letdown.

But I have a good reason for "upgrading" one of my own dogs - his proven record as an actual alert dog, a feature of his personality and instinct rather than a 100% trainable skill. From my experience with herding working dogs, it's seldom I'd advise using a "found" dog in such an important function.

Lo, she doth ramble muchly!

[mccoll95]

just wanted to say loved reading this post.
I think everyone clearly in there own way pointed out 2 types of depression and I personally think both views that depression is permanent and temporary can be true!
Situational depression-feelings caused/following  an event or situation(s) in someone's life can often be worked through and made to almost be better.
Chemical Depression-not having enough of certain body chemicals that cause the feeligns/symptoms of depression are jsut not ever going to "go away" without meds/therapy/coping skill sets for the length of a persons life. I just thought i'd throw this out there to summarize what it seems people are saying. To the OP. I'd research whether or not you qualify as someone with a disability according to the actual ADA (not just your school) if you qualify and you feel like a trained service dog can help you I say keep researching it and persue it if it is right for you! If you don't qualify under ADA however a PSD isn't likely going to be available to you as an option.

[LadyMayo]

I can say from personal experience this is a difficult road.  I was trained by Guide Dogs to train Labs for the blind.  Never ever imagining years later I would need a medical alert dog. I've always had health issues, but a Mom who would not let me use any of them as a crutch.  Repeatedly I would hear from breeders and other trainers "my energy" would set dogs off.  Hind site is 20/20.  Little did I know this was the precursor to a pet rescue Boxer becoming my saving Grace.  It was a long road and I had to learn to understand the dog as apparently I was having seizures and the dog knew, but no one else understood.

ESD at least you have at home.  Learning to take a medical SD everywhere and learning your new normal life is easier said then done.  Now it's second nature, but that was not always the case.

Tread lightly if I may suggest.  If therapy helps, therapy doesn't have to be fed, walked, watered, cooled, warmed  or deal with invisible disabilities.  While it may seem like it would be easier for the comfort of having the dog with you.  Again in my opinion, if I could redo life - I'd skip the invisible disability part.  It's not my dogs - they allow me as one moves across the Rainbow Bridge and another comes along to live a new normal life.   It is not a quick fix and takes time, training, commitment and dedication to your new partner.  In some ways closer then your spouse, children, doctor and therapist.

Whatever you decide good luck and this looks like the group you can certainly get a fair amount of opinions and see what fits you personally.