About C-PTSD & Panic Disorder
Mom has me, Moyo because she has C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) which is like having a Monster Huge Panic Disorder. My job is to remind Mom that she is SAFE. And when Mom has a Bad Episode I am Right There to Love her and to Lean Close and to Watch Over her. I take my Job Very Seriously.
In the Very Beginning of Our Love I was Just Moyo - I wasn't Officially an E.S.A. (Emotional Support Animal) but I did my Work with All My Heart still. Then one day S.A.D.A.G (The South African Anxiety and Depression Group) managed to get the South African Health Department on-board and they started a formal Registry for Emotional Support Animals. This is different from Guide Dogs - those are the dogs who work with people who are blind or have other disadvantages that make it hard for them to do stuff without the help of a specially trained pooch.
The E.S.A. Registry was begun - certified by the S.A.Health Department and controlled by S.A.D.A.G. - and I was THE VERY FIRST DOG TO BE REGISTERED. Me, Moyo. I got an Official Title for the Work I do with Mom and I got Papers and a Card which Mom can show people.
This means that I am Allowed to Go Everywhere with Mom now. Even into restaurants and movie houses, on buses, trains, and airplanes. Wherever my Mom goes? So do I. Because I am The Famous First Official S.A. E.S.A.
Mom said I should tell you a Bit about C-PSTD and Panic Stuff, and she said to tell you that if you have a heart which has been bent in two or a spirit which has been hurt so badly you don't know which way is up or out, or have had something horrid happen to you which has made you feel afraid or bad about yourself? Then you need to know that You Are NOT Alone.
Mom says You know, Moyo. If someone has a broken Leg everyone can see it because it has a great, big cast on it and they hobble around on crutches. And then Moyo? Most everyone is very solicitous and helps them get up stairs and to drive and get stuff done. No-one asks them to run a marathon or go skiing. Because they can see that the person is hurt.
But, Moyo says Mom, When someone has a broken heart or has experienced something that makes them feel so bad deep down inside, no-one can see the bruises and scars. And then sometimes people are not all that kind to those aching people and they can still be expected to "run life's marathons" as if everything was still good and strong and solid. And worst of all, Moyo? Sometimes the aching people are the cruelest of all to themselves. And they say bad things to themselves and think that nothing they can do is ever right or worth being loved for.
So, because Mom has told me all these things and because I know my Mom so well I am here to tell you that you CAN reach out for HELP. Asking for help is never a sign that you are weak. It's never a sign that you have failed. And most of all? It's NEVER a sign that you cannot be whole and well and loved.
Mom has started speaking about her "hidden bruising" and it has really helped her so very, very much. It's a terrifically long process and there are times when she feels she goes all the way back to the start again - as if she was playing some vast game of Snakes-and-Bloody-Ladders. But she keeps on working to get better inside - and I help her. Me, Moyo - I help my mom as much as I can. Between me, Moyo, Several Special People in Mom's Life (and here I want to say a Massive Moyo Thank You to Dad, Mom's Kids, and Grandkids - and to Mom's Friends Who Love her - You All Rock!) and Mom's Psychologist, Mom is Getting Better all the time.
On this page, you can find LINKS to S.A.D.A.G. and we are sure that there are similar agencies in whatever country you may live in. USE THEM!
Stuff you need to know about COMPLEX-POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
Stuff you might need to KNOW ABOUT PTSD
Here you will find what you need to know about PANIC DISORDER
This is a Most Useful Link to Help You if You EXPERIENCE PANIC ATTACKS
FYI - SADAG'S PROFILE
AND THIS IS THE INFORMATION ABOUT HOW TO HAVE A FAMOUS E.S.A. LIKE ME.
