Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can greatly affect the lives of those suffering from it. In severe cases, bipolar disorder may be considered a psychiatric disability, as it can stop individuals from living their lives as they normally would be able to.
Fortunately, service dogs can help relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder in their handlers and allow them to go about their days with greater ease.
Our article gives you an overview of bipolar disorder and when this condition may be considered a disability, in addition to telling you everything you need to know about how a psychiatric service dog can help with bipolar disorder.
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What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder formerly known as manic-depressive disorder. This mental health condition causes irregular and unusual shifts in moods, something that causes individuals to have periods of “manic” episodes characterized by energized and exuberant behaviors, and “depressive” episodes characterized by low moods, hopelessness, or indifference.
People with any of the three types of bipolar disorder may struggle to complete daily tasks, maintain concentration, and upkeep relationships due to the shift in moods and behavior.
The most widely accepted treatments for bipolar disorder are medication and therapy, though service dogs are becoming an increasingly popular way for those with bipolar disorder to deal with symptoms and find relief.
Does Bipolar Disorder Count as a Disability?
Bipolar disorder can count as a disability if it significantly impacts an area of a person’s life or makes a person unable to complete certain parts of their daily life and tasks.
Additionally, if the disorder causes the person to be perceived by others as having a disability, it can qualify as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Psychiatric Service Dogs for Bipolar Disorder
Psychiatric service dogs help with a number of different tasks for those who are dealing with bipolar disorder, helping to stop manic or destructive behaviors and improve low or negative moods. Tasks your service dog for bipolar might complete include:
- Waking up the owner to help them keep a schedule and avoid oversleeping
- Interrupting the owner to stop destructive or self-harming behaviors
- Bringing medication and water to their owner
- Alerting their owner to phone calls, doorbells, and visitors
- Bringing their owner a phone
- Retrieving help in the case of an emergency
- Using their body to stop manic behavior and provide tranquility
- Guiding their owner to safety or a quiet space
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other tasks that are specific and targeted to your bipolar disorder that may not be included. You can work with a professional trainer or train your dog yourself to ensure your psychiatric service dog can provide you with the assistance you need.
What Protections Will My Service Dog Have?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, your service dog will be able to accompany you into virtually any public or private space, as you will need them at your side to help deal with your condition.
The only exception to your service dog’s public access rights are religious places, and you may need to check directly with these spaces before attempting to enter with your service dog.
These public access rights are protected on both a federal and state level, and they are intended to ensure individuals with disabilities receive access to the same services and businesses as other individuals.
How Do I Get a Service Dog for Bipolar?
Obtaining a service dog for bipolar disorder can seem like an overwhelming process at first. However, you can speak with your doctor or therapist about getting this process started. In general, you will need to have a stable treatment plan of medication and therapy in addition to being able to care properly for a service dog in your care.
Once this has been established, you can find a local or national organization that trains service dogs for bipolar disorder and contact them directly about adopting. If you don’t believe you will be able to afford to purchase a fully-trained service dog, you can adopt a dog to train for service work yourself through a course like this.
Receiving the Service Dog Help You Need
Psychiatric service dogs are valuable companions when it comes to helping individuals overcome the symptoms of a mental health disorder such as bipolar disorder. While there are plenty of organizations around today that can provide you with a fully trained psychiatric service dog, you can also train your own service dog to ensure you have a companion that helps with your specific assistance needs.
Speak to a medical professional if you believe incorporating a service dog into your treatment plan is the right step for your bipolar disorder.
