Caring for those who care for animals
Veterinary nurse Lauryn Read explores the impact of mental health issues among veterinary professionals and suggests how practices can provide support.
Veterinary professionals are known for our care and compassion – for animals and their owners. However, the fast-paced environment in which we work means our own mental and physical wellbeing can be neglected. This can have an impact on our personal and professional lives, so it is vital that we, as individuals and as a profession, care for ourselves as much as we do for others.
The issues
It is no secret that mental health issues are becoming more prevalent among veterinary professionals. While the empathy many of us possess brings benefits, it can also bring challenges. Being hyper-empathic can be exhausting and emotionally draining, which may eventually lead to compassion fatigue or burnout. These issues are commonly discussed in relation to the veterinary profession [ 1 ], and the consequences of experiencing them on a regular basis can be hugely detrimental, with reports suggesting an elevated risk of suicide among veterinary nurses [ 2 ]. It has also been suggested that issues relating to mental health are often left untreated [ 3 ], for a variety of reasons.
Although mental health is increasingly spoken about, the stigma remains, which can act as a barrier to seeking help and support. People may avoid facing the issue or hide their struggles to maintain the high expectations they have of themselves. They may even feel guilty and not want to be a burden to those around them. As a profession, we are so used to helping others that we can forget that we may sometimes need help ourselves.
Often, the sources and symptoms of poor mental health can be normalised – for example, accepting that increased stress is normal. Although stress is a natural human response, prolonged stress can cause poor mental health. We work in a stressful profession, so it is important that we don ' t dismiss the impact of stress.
In addition to the barrier caused by stigma, there may be practical barriers inhibiting access to mental health support, such as time constraints. Jobs in the veterinary profession are demanding and can sometimes require us to work long hours and in shift patterns. Support can be hard to access when working unsociable hours, although teletherapy( healthcare provided via telephone or video call) can make access easier.
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