Do I agree with ESSA’s?

I get hundreds of these comments every year and I fear I can no longer avoid the topic. I’m very indifferent on this topic. While I think it’s great to have a stuffed animal that eases your anxiety and makes you feel better, I have seen some very disturbing videos and things within the “essa community”

*

*

We do not, have not and never will condone any threats or harassment towards commenters featured within this post.

*

*

#essa #emotionalsupportstuffanimal #emotionalsupportdogs #servicedogs #servicedog

2024/12/26 Edited to

... Read moreSo many of us are hearing about ESSAs lately, and it's totally understandable if you're wondering what they're all about, or even if having one is for you. As someone who's seen the conversation around Emotional Support Stuffed Animals grow, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into what ESSAs mean, their purpose, and how they fit into our lives, especially for those seeking comfort and companionship. First off, what exactly is an ESSA? An ESSA, or Emotional Support Stuffed Animal, is essentially a plush companion that individuals use to help manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or loneliness. Unlike service animals or even emotional support animals (which are live animals), an ESSA doesn't require any special training or certification. It's a personal comfort item, chosen by you, to provide a sense of calm and stability. Many people find solace in an ESSA's soft presence, using it as a grounding tool during overwhelming moments or simply as a non-judgmental friend to confide in after a tough day. When people search for terms like 'ESSA dog' or 'essa plush,' they're usually looking for examples of these wonderful companions. While many prefer stuffed dogs, an ESSA can be any type of stuffed animal – a bear, a cat, a fantastical creature – whatever brings you the most comfort. The idea behind 'ESSA gear' also pops up, referring to accessories like vests, tags, or carriers that some people use for their stuffed animals, often inspired by actual emotional support or service animal accessories. It's all about personalizing the experience and making your ESSA feel like a true companion. One common question I see is, 'Can you have an ESSA for fun?' The short answer is yes, absolutely! If having a stuffed animal brings you joy, eases your anxiety, or simply makes you feel good, that's a perfectly valid reason to have one. The core purpose of an ESSA is personal comfort and support. Where we need to draw a clear line, as I've observed, is when these wonderful comfort items are misrepresented. An ESSA, while incredibly helpful for personal emotional regulation, does not have the same public access rights or legal standing as a trained service animal. It's crucial to understand this distinction to avoid confusion and respect the vital work legitimate service animals do for individuals with disabilities. For those wondering about 'essa ideas' or how to integrate an ESSA into their routine, it's really about what works for you. Some find comfort in simply holding their ESSA during anxious moments, others use it as a focal point during meditation, or even as a conversation starter when discussing their mental health journey. It can be a tangible reminder to practice self-care, a soft presence during a scary movie, or a familiar face on a new adventure. The beauty of an ESSA is its simplicity and its ability to provide comfort without demands. Ultimately, the meaning of an ESSA is deeply personal. It's about finding a source of comfort that resonates with you. While the community around them can sometimes be a bit confusing, the core intent – using a stuffed animal for emotional support – is a beautiful and valid practice for many, especially when navigating the complexities of modern life and managing anxiety.

56 comments

adrii_starz's images
adrii_starz

I have an essa! I have autism, anxiety, ocd, and depression (all professionally diagnosed), and it helps me!

See more comments

Related posts

Agree ?
What do you think ? #helpmechoose #mindset #beautyfinds #healthylifestyle2024 #nailinspo #unaesthetic #shareyourthoughts #help #helpme #helpagirlout
Burnbee

Burnbee

21 likes

6 DOZEN people agree this is THE best garlic naan
Would you believe me if I told you that almost 6 DOZEN people agree that this is THE best garlic naan recipe Ingredients you'll need: 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour + an extra up to 2 tablespoons for kneading and flouring 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon a
Jessica 🌱

Jessica 🌱

10.8K likes

Do you agree with this decision?
new announcement has just been reported by Mary Bruce, Chief White House Correspondent for ABC News. The update about Donald Trump is quickly spreading online and people are already debating what it could mean. 👀 Watch the clip and decide for yourself. 👉 Do you agree with this decision? 👍 Like
melissarjones

melissarjones

9 likes

smh do you agree with him ?
D-CEE

D-CEE

26 likes

Do you girls agree?🥲❤️
New to Lemon8!🍋 Something I love: Animals! #Lemon8Diary #funnymeme #girl #tiktok #viral #makeup #skincare
🥥🌸Lola_care🌸🥥

🥥🌸Lola_care🌸🥥

2362 likes

Do you agree?
Adi🕉️⚽️🏍️

Adi🕉️⚽️🏍️

8 likes

I agree ☝️
#pitbull #Are #family #dog #loyalty
My Sobriety my journey

My Sobriety my journey

1297 likes

Ladies do you agree?
#letschat #unfiltered #relationship #relationshipadvice #men #woman
Tabitha

Tabitha

22 likes

Do u agree with Zion?
#ginnyandgeorgia #netflixseries #opinions #lemon8creators #netflixrecommendation
Millie Bobby brown

Millie Bobby brown

621 likes

Do you agree?
#gymmotivation #gymquoteoftheday #quotes
motivationdaily006

motivationdaily006

12 likes

Do you agree?
#fyp #trending #funny #letschat #parenting
Woady's World.LLC

Woady's World.LLC

422 likes

Do you agree with her?🌸
#singlewomen #single
abbeyweiwei

abbeyweiwei

16 likes

Do you agree?🫶👇 - #quotes #quoteoftheday #lifequot
Do you agree?🫶👇 - #quotes #quoteoftheday #lifequotes #relatablequotes #hardhittingquotes #lifetruth #thetruthis #neverforgetthis #ifyoureinabadplace #listen
Rescue Restore

Rescue Restore

24 likes

A woman with long blonde hair and glasses on her head takes a selfie, with text overlay stating, 'I manifested my boyfriend by doing this ONE THING.' The Lemon8 logo and username are at the bottom.
A woman with long blonde hair smiles next to a man whose face is covered by a red heart emoji, sitting at a table with drinks. Text overlay discusses not listing what you don't want in a future partner.
A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black top and glasses on her head, sits at a table. Text overlay reads, 'I started listing out what I WANT a future to be like or do certain things for example...'
Do you agree with this?🥹
I know this may not seem like a big deal, but I recently realized this! I think we focus on what we don’t want in relationships a lot especially after a bad relationship! We think I don’t want my next relationship to be like or I don’t want my partner to be like this. After my last relationsh
rachel

rachel

41 likes

Aries & Taurus - do u agree? ❤️‍🔥🍃
#aries #taurus #mars #venus #fire #earth #love #zodiac #horoscope
Troy Tripicchio

Troy Tripicchio

41 likes

Do you agree?
#resistfascism #resisttrump #nofascistusa #fucktrump #impeachhimnow
Jase(they/them)🏳️‍⚧️♾️✊🏻

Jase(they/them)🏳️‍⚧️♾️✊🏻

227 likes

A person in a black outfit and white headphones takes a mirror selfie in a gym bathroom. Text overlay reads: "5 UNPOPULAR FITNESS OPINIONS 1. You can't out-squat a bad diet."
A person in a black outfit and white headphones takes a mirror selfie in a gym bathroom. Text overlay states: "You can lift heavy all you want, but if your food's trash, your results will be too."
A person in a black outfit and white headphones takes a mirror selfie in a gym bathroom. Text overlay reads: "2. Not all glute growth is muscle from your favorite influencers."
5 unpopular fitness opinions- do you agree?
1. “You can’t out-squat a bad diet.” People think if they just train hard enough, especially lower body, they can eat whatever they want and still reach their goals. Nope. 🍟 You can’t undo ultra-processed meals, alcohol, and sugar binges with heavy squats or hip thrusts. 🍗 Muscle growth an
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

95 likes

A digital book page from 'Never Lie' by Freida McFadden, showing a highlighted quote about 'How are you?' being useless words. An overlay asks 'Do you agree?'. The page also displays '16,344 highlighters' and reading progress.
Do you agree?
Book is called “Never Lie” by Freida McFadden…it’s rated pretty highly & I’m excited to read it. - I just thought this quote was pretty good.
Julie

Julie

13 likes

relationship tips you might NOT agree with🫶✨
These are some tips I use in my own relationship❤️ They work for me but might not work for you. Just remember your worthy of love and you deserve to be loved❤️ #relationship #relationshipadvice #mentalhealth #wellnesslifestyle #mindandbody
madisoncate

madisoncate

571 likes

wellness things I DON’T agree with
wellness has become very popular thanks to social media which is amazing but it also can be overwhelming! There’s a lot or information out there about “wellness” and people share what they’re doing which is great! However, we are all so unique that wellness trends may not serve everyone. The
rachel

rachel

69 likes

Do you agree?
#fyp #fypシ #trending #tiktok #outerbanks #obx #obsessed
Esmay

Esmay

367 likes

Do you agree?
. . . #trump2024 #news #florida #trumprally #conservativenews
conservativenewstoday

conservativenewstoday

40 likes

WE ATEEEE DO YOU AGREE?
audrey ! 🪩💐

audrey ! 🪩💐

2 likes

Things I do as a type C mom that you won’t agree with. Part One
Things I do as a type C mom that you won’t agree with. Part One. I allow my children to have there own feelings on any topic & yes even discipline. I will always listen to there “why”. They need to know they feel heard, that their feelings and thoughts matter. You want a popsicle at 9am?
MommaT

MommaT

66 likes

A young man with blue eyes and light stubble wears a dark grey baseball cap, a black t-shirt, and a silver cross necklace. He looks directly at the camera against a dark, blurred background.
She said I’m cute do you agree?
MysteryJ’sMusic

MysteryJ’sMusic

92 likes

girlies do you agree?
girlies do you agree? #bf #gf #datingadvice #men #consent
Miranda Jo

Miranda Jo

56 likes

Do you agree cause we don’t lmao
We were pretty surprised to hear that according to the internet the best part about being a woman is… yeah no hahahah What do you think? 💭 #girlchat #girlchatpodcast #summerbod #embracevulnerability #podcast #newpodcast #podcastrecommendations #shareyourthoughts #delulu
nat & shay ♡

nat & shay ♡

50 likes

Adam Sandler is a great father. Do you agree?
Angie Jaynes

Angie Jaynes

6 likes

@tylerperry It’s as simple as that. Do you agree?
@tylerperry It’s as simple as that. Do you agree? #tylerperry
VSGENT

VSGENT

9 likes

do you agree?
•𝓐𝓷𝓰𝓮𝓵𝓪• o.g sound ❤️ #products
Tulsi

Tulsi

19 likes

Jonathan Bailey stands on a stage in front of a large screen displaying his People magazine cover. The cover announces him as "Sexiest Man Alive" for November 17, 2025, with text "Wicked-ly handsome & oh-so-charming." He wears a black shirt and pants.
A close-up of Jonathan Bailey, looking at the camera, wearing a light-colored knitted sweater. He rests his arm on a wooden railing with an outdoor background. A graphic overlay confirms "People Sexiest Man Alive 2025."
A close-up portrait of Jonathan Bailey, featuring his beard and short dark hair. He wears a shiny, metallic-looking button-up shirt, unbuttoned at the top, with a red floral embellishment on his chest.
Jonathan Bailey sexiest man alive - do you agree?
Bridgerton, Jurassic World Rebirth, & Wicked are a few of Jonathan Baileys pieces of work that helped shoot him to stardom. Now Jonathan is surpassing the big screen & landing magazine covers. Not just any magazine either, Jonathan has been named People Magazines Sexiest Man Alive. 😮‍💨🔥
Jay 🌙

Jay 🌙

33 likes

Do you agree? 🔎Initial Belly Ring
#bellypiercing #piercings #jewelry
HanysLux Body Jewelry

HanysLux Body Jewelry

747 likes

Do you agree?
Imo, the first book was the best one… #books #booksoflemon8 #readersoflemon8 #readingaesthetic #shareyourthoughts #bookstoread #bookrecommendations #lemon8bookclub #lemon8bookworm #bookclub
Zara🎀📚✨

Zara🎀📚✨

11 likes

Do you guys agree ?
#cleaning #cleaningmotivation #cleaningroutine #moppingfloors
Cleaningwithlove

Cleaningwithlove

65 likes

Do you agree?
#foryou #fyp #music #Lemon8 #trending
F.O.X

F.O.X

2 likes

A hand holds bell hooks' book 'all about love' with colorful sticky tabs and a beaded bookmark. The image features the quote '“Without Justice there can be no love”' overlaid, with other books visible in the background.
Do You agree with this quote
I’m starting my February with all about love by Bell Hooks and I actually started this book in January but wanted to share this quote with you guys. Reading this quote got me thinking can love truly exist without justice and I have to agree with the author there’s no love without justice can someon
Steph Reads 📚💜

Steph Reads 📚💜

48 likes

Do you agree?!
#nissangtr #whatsbetter #makeachoice #carphotographer #carguysoflemon8
Midnight Born

Midnight Born

2 likes

Do u agree with this??
#target #miniproducts #targetminis #please recommend any product #goodproducts
🦩💕L I L Y💕🦩

🦩💕L I L Y💕🦩

9 likes

Do You Agree?👀🎸🔥
Best Guitar Riff Of All Time🎸🔥😎 #Guitar #GuitarShorts #tips #advice #GuitarLesson #musicplaylist #GuitarPlayer #GuitarDaily #guitartist #music
Silent knight🎸

Silent knight🎸

4 likes

Lagree | Bryce Watts Hansen
I love the challenge though #lagree #pilates #brycewattshansen #brycewatts
Bryce W Hansen

Bryce W Hansen

1197 likes

Do you agree? 🌸
#fyp #relatable #growthmindset #god #faith
Women’s Growth

Women’s Growth

29 likes

A woman with long blonde hair in a car, holding a Dunkin' drink, with text stating she asked ChatGPT for a color analysis because she couldn't find an analyst.
A smiling woman with long blonde hair, outdoors, with text indicating this photo was used to create a professional color analysis image.
A close-up of a smiling woman with blonde hair, draped in light peach and blue fabrics, labeled as 'Spring' for color analysis.
Do You Agree With My Color Analysis? ✨️
Do you agree with my color analysis results or do you see a different type for me? 👀 I tried the Dressing Your Truth color drapes and the results were actually so interesting… Type 1 Spring (light, bright, warm) made my skin look clearer, my eyes brighter, and everything just looked more alive ✨
April Schleica

April Schleica

7 likes

See more