Depression… It’s not just about feeling sad. It’s more like a curse, a phase where it feels as if the world has stopped around you. Many people get confused about what depression really is. It falls under the category of mental health issues. You might actually be experiencing a different mental health condition, but still call it depression simply because you aren’t fully aware of the details. Over the last half-decade, the number of mental health patients in the US has increased by nearly 40%.

Many clinics and hospitals have reported patients coming in with severe cases, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and the list just keeps growing. So why is it that the numbers keep increasing while we simply let them be? It’s time to make a change and move toward a better, healthier life. Medications may help ease the symptoms, but they don’t always fix the feelings. You need to help yourself and try new ways to cope. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the rising mental health cases in the US and introduce a platform that has come up with a unique approach to help people facing these challenges.

The Rise of Mental Health Issues in the US

This rise in mental health struggles doesn’t just affect individuals; it also takes a toll on the U.S. economy. They are not able…or to be more precise, not in the best shape, to perform well in their jobs or even in their relationships. Have a look at this table to see how the situation has become.

Pets as a Natural Form of Healing

Mental health problems can start in different ways. Some, like autism, are something people are born with. Others can appear later because of tough life experiences, fears that never got treated, or emotional scars that never healed. Sometimes you even feel like something isn’t right, but you can’t put your finger on what it is. That’s why many people reach out for help.

The first step is usually talking to a doctor. They can explain what’s going on, and therapists can guide you through healing. Sometimes doctors also give medicine that helps calm the mind and body, so the symptoms don’t feel as overwhelming, like seeing things with schizophrenia or shaking during a panic attack.

But there’s one thing most of them agree on: pets, especially dogs, have a special ability to sense changes in their owners. As Dr. Mira Milad, a psychiatrist at UT Physicians, explained, dogs can pick up on small shifts in how you feel, and that awareness can be very calming during tough times.

Pets help take your mind off worries and bring comfort just by being there. They offer companionship, support, and often seem to know exactly when you need them the most. Simply put, having a dog or cat around can make your home or apartment feel far less lonely.

The Challenge: Not Everyone Allows Pets

Now here’s the difficult part, many landlords and apartment owners don’t allow pets. This is the case in a lot of areas across the U.S., and it makes life harder for people who truly need pets for emotional support.

The Solution: Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Letters

To solve this issue, there’s a law in the U.S. that allows for ESA (Emotional Support Animal) or PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog) letters. In simple words, it’s like an official doctor’s note that says your pet is important for your mental health. This letter gives you the legal right to keep your pet in housing that normally doesn’t allow animals. Once you have it, landlords cannot stop you from living with your pet.

How WellnessWag Can Help

Now, I can recommend a platform that helps you get these letters, and that platform is none other than WellnessWag. Below, I’ve explained in detail how they can help you and how their process works.

Process

Quick Form: You start by filling out a short online form about how you’re feeling and why you might need support.

Talk to a Doctor: If you qualify, you’ll have a quick call or online chat with a licensed doctor or therapist.

Get Your Letter: If approved, you’ll get your official ESA letter within 24 hours. This letter has everything needed to show your pet is for emotional support.

No Risk: If you don’t get approved, or if your landlord doesn’t accept the letter, WellnessWag gives you a full refund.

Where Can Psychiatric Service Dogs Go?

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives psychiatric service dogs special rights. This means they can go almost anywhere their owner goes, even in places that usually don’t allow pets, like:

• Restaurants
• Stores
• Hospitals
• Airports
• Schools

Mental health issues are real and continue to grow, but dogs can play a big role in the healing process. Sadly, many people ignore their struggles. They don’t seek the comfort of pets or emotional support, and instead rely only on medications, which can sometimes make life feel even more suffocating.

The better approach is to look for solutions that bring real comfort, like what WellnessWag offers. After all, sometimes the best therapy comes with four paws and a wagging tail.

WellnessWag runs an affiliate program, and we are affiliated with them. As an affiliate partner, I am excited to share this information with you. To get a discount, click on this link, and help us earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.