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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.
In this final entry of our blog series, “Navigating Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession,” we discuss the critical role of positive narratives and the impactful support mechanisms that can transform the veterinary profession for the better.
Changing the Narrative
One of the most potent tools at our disposal is the power of narrative. Rosie Allister, a consistent voice in our series and a staunch advocate for mental health awareness in the veterinary sector, discussed on The Consult Room podcast the necessity of shifting the focus from inevitability of harm towards pathways of resilience and recovery. “We need to really be careful around that and think really carefully about how we can provide narratives that actually help people,” Rosie emphasized.
This involves promoting stories of success and resilience within the veterinary community. By highlighting the positive outcomes and the support available, we can help shift the mindset from despair to hope, from isolation to community.
The Role of Vetlife and Other Support Networks
A significant part of changing the narrative involves support organisations like Vetlife, which Rosie is involved with. Vetlife offers a lifeline to veterinary professionals, providing free, confidential support to anyone in the veterinary community facing mental health challenges. These services include a 24-hour helpline, financial support, and health support, which are invaluable resources that help individuals navigate through their darkest times.
Discussing the role of such organisations, Rosie notes the importance of accessible support: “I have a lot of hope for our profession and actually that comes from spending quite a bit of time listening to people who are at their absolute worst moments. People survive all kinds of things that are incredibly difficult, and they find a way through them.”
Creating Community and Continuing Education
Another crucial aspect is fostering a community within the profession that actively supports each other. This can be achieved through mentoring programs, peer support groups, and ongoing professional development that includes training on managing workplace stress and enhancing mental health.
Moreover, continuing education on mental health not only for veterinarians but also for veterinary students can embed early resilience skills and awareness, preparing them better for the realities of the profession.
Call to Action
As we conclude this series, it’s clear that while the challenges are significant, the pathways to improvement are many and achievable. It requires a collective effort from individual veterinary professionals, associations, educational institutions, and support organisations like Vetlife to enact these changes.
Rosie’s parting words on the podcast resonate as a call to action for everyone in the profession: “When you look at how far we’ve come in terms of awareness, we’ve done an amazing job at that, we need to do the next bit now and actually make practical changes that help people.”
Support and Resources
If you or someone you know in the veterinary profession is struggling, remember that help is available. Reach out to Vetlife in the UK or look for similar organisations in your country. For those outside of the veterinary profession but facing mental health challenges, seek assistance through local resources like NHS mental health services.
This series aimed to shed light on the complexities of mental health in the veterinary profession and the critical role of supportive narratives and resources. We hope that this conversation continues, fostering an environment where every veterinary professional feels supported and valued.
Stay tuned for more discussions and resources, and remember, change starts with awareness and is sustained by action. You can also listen to the full podcast ‘Is the Veterinary Profession in the Depths of a Mental Health Crisis’ with Rosie below.
