VN January 2023

Vetnuus | Januarie 2023 8 Introduction As veterinarians, we are passionate about caring for and protecting the health of animals - but have you ever stopped to consider the risks veterinarian mental health poses to our own well-being? As a veterinarian, you know first-hand how rewarding and fulfilling your career can be. But it’s important to be aware that there are potential risks to your mental health associated with your work, too. As the demand for preventive and wellness care grows, vets face an ever-increasing stress level in their responsibilities. You may feel burned out or overwhelmed with seemingly mundane tasks on top of actual cases you see in practice – all of which have an emotional toll. To ensure the importance of protecting both your physical and mental wellness in this line of work is recognized, we want to discuss what kind of mental health risks exist for veterinarians, why self-care should remain a top priority despite having such a demanding job, and lastly, some practical tips to alleviate these associated stresses. What is Mental Health? Mental health is an integral part of our overall health and well-being. Yet, mental health concerns are often misunderstood and remain untreated due to an unjustified social stigma. Mental health has many contributing factors- it affects not only how we feel, think, and behave but also our self-confidence and how we cope with everyday situations. To fully sustain good mental health, it is essential that we also establish a positive outlook for ourselves, possess self-esteem, and develop the necessary approaches to deal with any obstacles that may come our way effectively. If mental health issues are left unaddressed for prolonged periods, the repercussions can be both mental and physical. Risk Factors for Mental Health Mental health can be a tricky subject to navigate, and numerous risk factors can contribute to mental health issues. On an individual level, life events such as trauma, illness, or disability can impact mental wellness; and these are further compounded if substance use, abuse, or poor parenting is involved. Unfortunately, society plays a significant role, too - stigma, discrimination, and unemployment can all lead to mental health issues if depression and anxiety develop. The economic consequences of poverty and inequality are additional considerations about mental health. In contrast, the effects of pandemics on mental well-being have only been brought into sharp focus this year. Understanding the various risk factors for mental health helps to paint a fuller picture of how complicated mental well-being can be and why it should never be taken lightly. The Top 8 Mental Health Risks for Veterinarians - and How to Alleviate Them Dr Margit Gabriele Muller MBA MRCVS D Vet Hom PCC CMLC CMHC M.NLP & P.NLP Mental health must be taken seriously to ensure optimal mental well-being.