When someone gets injured, it only makes sense to accommodate them. For example, if someone had a broken leg you would probably give them your seat in a full bus or let them use the elevator etc. These actions aren't even questioned but are seen as necessary because this individual is struggling with an injury. Therefore, they need special accommodations that will allow them to go through life like everyone else. Yet, only because mental disorders are one of the many invisible disabilities, people find it difficult to believe that these individuals have certain needs as well.
On Tuesday November 10, 2015 I adopted a black kitten.
After paperwork and waiting and appointments and more waiting, I was finally able to get my emotional support animal. One of the most common things I hear or get asked in the short time they have seen me with my kitten are, "Oh so you just get to have a cat for fun?" or "What do you have?", which in other words mean, "What have you been diagnosed with?" So let me answer everyone's doubts and oh-so worrisome concerns about emotional support animals. It has not even been a week since I adopted my little espresso bean --yes, that is the name of my cat-- and he has already filled my life with so much love and play. Waking me up at ungodly hours of the night, making sure my room is clean enough so he won't get hurt, and helping me write essays by pouncing all over my keyboard.
Many people see him as an accessory and blurt out, "oh why do you get to have a cat in the dorms?" without considering the fact that he is so much more to me than just fun and games. This little bundle of life is my emotional support and he will help me deal with life's oncoming battles. Unlike many of you, I struggle with coping or dealing with day-to-day things. Many can say that it's a "bad day", but is it really a bad day if it's been almost a consistent string of "bad days" for almost two years? I have a mental disorder but let me tell you, I am not my mental disorder. That is not and will never be the only thing that defines who I am. It simply is like a broken leg; a long process of healing and could worsen if gone untreated. This little life has given me life. And has been able to make things better by simply putting his tiny paws on my face to wake me up.
All in all, never make assumptions about individuals who are getting accommodations for something necessary. Just because the illness is invisible does not make it any less valid than a broken leg. Yet, after stating that I personally have a mental disorder you might all be wondering what is wrong with me. So let me address your concerns just like my University's DRC (Disability Resources Center) presenter said it, "First, I never said anything was wrong with me and second, it's none of your fucking business."