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This is the fourth episode (004) in the series supporting the parliamentary petition at GetVets.NZ.
Today we look at some strategies to help you counter compassion fatigue – both as an individual veterinarian and, if you’re a clinic owner or practice manager, a few different things you can implement in your clinic.
We hear an excerpt from a Ted-X talk, as well as a couple of sound bites from veterinary professionals and we’re going to finish up with some positive psychology and mindfulness strategies for implementation.
According to Australian Psychologist Dr Nadine Hamilton, the best way to tackle the unique nature of veterinary stress that can lead to anxiety, depression and suicide is to use evidence-based research to create an intervention able to have a scientifically measurable positive impact on wellbeing.
As you know, working in the veterinary profession can be a rewarding, challenging and demanding career. It requires a passion for animals, excellent interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic.
It also has a dark and very dangerous side.
The suicide rate for veterinarians as measured across Australia, the US, UK, New Zealand and Canada is almost four times higher than the general population.
This suicide risk has been shown to surface at graduation and remain for the rest of a vet’s working life.
As I’ve talked about in the previous three episodes in this series, the veterinary profession in Godzone Aotearoa New Zealand is currently facing a severe mental health crisis.
And I stumbled upon a Ted X talk by Richard Davison who wanted to know why is it that some people are more vulnerable to life's slings and arrows and others more resilient?
Richard Davidson is Research Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry and Founder & Director of the Centre for Healthy Minds, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Davidson’s research is focused on the neural bases of emotion and emotional style and methods to promote human flourishing including meditation and related contemplative practices.
Davidson has been
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