02/02/2023
Dear Bayshore Towers Resident:
Since COVID-19, many of us have experienced increased levels of depression, anxiety, PTSD and phobias. For some, it was due to job loss and loss of income. For the elderly with limited
mobility, there may have been an increased feeling of loneliness due to restrictions on travel and family visitation. For members of our military, there may have been an increased frequency of PTSD related symptoms, including thoughts of su***de. Regardless of the cause, it is important to treat your emotional disorder.
While many therapies for emotional disorders involve pharmacologic therapy, a safer and
possibly more effective treatment is an emotional support animal, or ESA. ESAs may supplement medication therapy or be used as an alternative. In addition to all of the known
health benefits of caring for an animal, an ESA can help alleviate the symptoms of an emotional disorder and improve day-to-day functionality.
In Florida, an emotional support animal is an animal that is not required to be trained to assist a person with a disability but, by virtue of its presence, provides support to alleviate one
or more identified symptoms or effects of a person’s disability. If you feel that you may benefit from an ESA, please reach out. You will be referred to one of our physician neighbors who has a number of years of experience evaluating individuals for ESA and experience in ESA advocacy. As a physician neighbor, this service is offered absolutely free to residents of Bayshore Towers. We understand that COVID risk, scheduling difficulties and financial difficulties have made it very difficult for so many to obtain this service.
ESA owners are allowed to live with their animal companions as “reasonable accommodation”, even in buildings that prohibit pets. Florida law also prohibits a housing provider to request information that discloses the diagnosis or severity of a person’s disability or any medical records relating to the disability.
During these challenging times, please do not allow depression, anxiety or fear to interfere with your life. Realize the benefits of having an ESA. Feel free to reach out and to ask for help!
