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Written by Paul
Dr Paul Manktelow is a vet who’s worked for almost 20 years on the front line in some of the UK’s busiest veterinary hospitals. As Chief Vet in the Charity Sector, he leads a team of vets and nurses that treat thousands of pets every year. Paul also appears regularly in the media as a TV and radio presenter, writer, public speaker and podcast producer.
Welcome to the first entry in our blog series that dives into the subject of navigating mental health in the veterinary profession. This series aims to unpack the complex issues surrounding mental health within the veterinary community, each blog taking a deep dive into a specific aspect discussed in an episode on our podcast ‘The Consult Room’ – you can take a listen below.
The Power of Media Narratives
The portrayal of the veterinary profession in the media is a double-edged sword. Headlines often draw attention with a sense of urgency and crisis—words like “burnout,” “dropout,” and “suicide” frequent the pages of veterinary publications and beyond. But what is the cost of this approach to the individuals within the profession?
Rosie Allister, a guest on an episode of ‘The Consult Room’ podcast, is an expert on veterinary mental health, argues that while these issues are indeed severe and widespread, the manner in which they are presented can sometimes do more harm than good. “A lot of those issues are really important in the veterinary profession, but one of the things that’s really important is that we talk about them responsibly and we base what we say about them on facts,” Rosie stressed during her interview.
The Impact of Sensationalism
Research has shown that sensationalised media coverage can influence behavior and perceptions profoundly. In the realm of mental health, especially concerning suicide, this is particularly critical. The way suicide is reported, for instance, can lead to ‘suicide contagion’ where the incidence of suicide increases in response to the exposure of suicide in the media.
Rosie highlighted that the same principle applies within the veterinary profession. Sensational headlines can exacerbate feelings of despair and hopelessness, potentially influencing veterinary professionals’ mental health negatively. It’s crucial, then, for media outlets to strike a balance between drawing attention to the critical issues and not sensationalising them to the point of harm.
Creating a Responsible Narrative
How then can the media, bloggers, and content creators discuss veterinary mental health responsibly? It starts with basing narratives on solid facts and research rather than anecdotal evidence or isolated incidents. Moreover, discussions around mental health need to be framed in a way that empowers and educates rather than stigmatises or scares.
Promoting Positive Change
Throughout the podcast, Rosie encourages a shift towards more balanced reporting that recognises the challenges but also highlights the resilience, dedication, and passion that veterinary professionals bring to their roles. This not only supports those within the profession but also provides a more accurate picture to the public.
Conclusion
As I continue to explore these themes in our series, it’s essential for everyone involved in veterinary care, from practitioners to media professionals, to consider how their words and actions can support the mental health of these vital community members.
Stay tuned for the next entry in this series, where I’ll explore the realities of burnout and dropout in veterinary careers, continuing the conversation with insights from Rosie Allister and other experts in the field.
