Align-ju FEATURE
Mental health problems can significantly affect many aspects of our lives, including our physical health. They can lead to low energy levels, decreased immune function, changes to our diet and an increased risk of chronic conditions [ 4 ].
Poor mental health can also affect decision-making and judgement. In severe cases, this could impact negatively on case outcomes and patient safety, so it is extremely important to recognise when support is needed.
The support
There are many steps to better mental health, but the first step can be the most difficult, particularly when someone is struggling with very poor mental health.
Acceptance is an important early step in the right direction. Poor mental health is not a sign of weakness or failure. The profession can be challenging, physically and mentally, so recognising and accepting when we are struggling is a strength, and is to be encouraged.
Prioritising self-care and maintaining good mental health are extremely important, and can help us continue doing what we love. Taking time to rest and recover can be helpful after a challenging period, whether that ' s relaxing and resetting in the evening or at the weekend, or taking some annual leave.
Senior management should lead by example, by taking time for themselves – such as protecting their break times – and empower others to do the same.
A debriefing led by a senior member of staff can be extremely helpful after a difficult case. Although practice life can be busy, it is important to allow time to debrief, as it has been suggested that debriefing improves team and individual performance by 20 – 25 %, and improves staff morale [ 5, 6 ].
Facilitating a space to discuss and process a distressing situation can reduce feelings of guilt. All team members should be invited, as a difficult case or adverse event can affect even those who weren ' t directly involved. Sometimes discussions in subgroups can be more beneficial – for example, one group for veterinary nurses, one for veterinary surgeons and one for receptionists and other non-clinical staff.
Wellbeing teams / leaders could be appointed to help promote and maintain good physical and mental health. Some practices have a wellbeing budget that covers the cost of equipment and activities, but free activities such as walks or yoga could also be organised.
A mental health first aid kit could be compiled and made available to team members at the practice. This could include things that provide comfort, such as fidget toys, snacks and aromatherapy rollers.
It may also be helpful to set up and maintain a wellbeing board in a staff / meeting room. Posters could be displayed with sources of support from local and national organisations, the NHS and veterinaryspecific organisations such as BVNA and Vetlife. Notices about any forthcoming wellbeing activities or events could also be posted here.
Don ' t be afraid to talk to someone if you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, and encourage others to do the same. Talking can help us process and deal with a problem or difficult situation. You could talk to a colleague, friend or family member, or to a charity such as Vetlife, whose independent confidential helpline is available to anyone in the veterinary profession, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In some circumstances, Vetlife may also be able to provide financial and health support.
Further resources
Vetlife 0303 040 2551 and https:// www. vetlife. org. uk BVNA Mental Health Toolkit https:// bvna. org. uk / project / mental-health-toolkit /
REFERENCES
1 Lloyd C, Campion DP. Occupational stress and the importance of self-care and resilience: focus on veterinary nursing. Irish Veterinary Journal. 2017; 70: 30. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1186 / s13620-017-0108-7.
2 Milner AJ, Niven H, Page K, Lamontagne AD. Suicide in veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Australia: 2001 – 2012. Australian Veterinary Journal. 2015; 93( 9): 308 – 310. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1111 / avj. 12358.
3 Gyles C. Surprising new findings on veterinarians ' mental health and well-being. Canadian Veterinary Journal. 2018; 59( 10): 1041 – 1043. Available from: https:// pmc. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov / articles / PMC6135272 / [ Accessed 30 March 2025 ].
4 NHS. Mental health and physical illness. Available from: https:// www. nhs. uk / every-mind-matters / lifes-challenges / health-issues / [ Accessed 18 February 2024 ].
5 Tannenbaum SI, Cerasoli CP. Do team and individual debriefs enhance performance? A meta-analysis. Human Factors. 2013; 55( 1): 231 – 245. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.1177 / 0018720812448394.
6 Walker CA, McGregor L, Taylor C, Robinson S. STOP5: a hot debrief model for resuscitation cases in the emergency department. Clinical and Experimental Emergency Medicine. 2020; 7( 4): 259 – 266. Available from: https:// doi. org / 10.15441 / ceem. 19.086.
Volume 40( 3) • June 2025
13