NOT ONE MORE VET

VETERINARY MEDICINE SEEMS LIKE AN ANIMAL LOVER’S DREAM JOB. YET, FOR MANY, BEING A VETERINARIAN CAN CAUSE SUCH HIGH LEVELS OF DESPAIR THAT IT IS THE PROFESSION WITH THE HIGHEST SUICIDE RATE IN THE WORLD. CLEARLY, THIS IS A SERIOUS CRISIS, BUT WHY IS IT HAPPENING AND HOW CAN WE HELP?

He explains that, Many other stress factors contribute to veterinary and vet student mental health issues. These include financial stress, competition, emotional problems “

like compassion fatigue, depression and burnout, poor work-life balance, a perception that life is on

hold, career dissatisfaction, challenging clients and colleagues, poor practice management skills, and relationship issues. “

IT’S COMPLICATED

Working with animals is an emotional rollercoaster. Dr Leon De Bruyn, President of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) explains that, “Our patients’ lives are so short - we see them come in as cute puppies or kittens, admire them in their prime, but, all too soon, our beloved patients grow old and pass away. In addition, vets often have the paradoxical

situation of becoming emotional in one consultation, after putting to sleep a patient they`ve known and loved for over a decade, and then having to put on a joyous face for the next consultation as they vaccinate a bouncy new puppy.”

He explains that, “Many other stress factors contribute to veterinary and vet student mental health issues. These include financial stress, competition, emotional problems like compassion fatigue, depression and burnout, poor work-life balance, a perception that life is on hold, career dissatisfaction, challenging clients and colleagues, poor practice management skills, and relationship issues.” According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Association, other animal care staff may be even more at risk because they tend to have less job autonomy, income and acknowledgement than veterinarians. Another report found that those involved in animal welfare or rescue are particularly hard hit because of their constant exposure to animal abuse, neglect and routine euthanasia.

But all caring work involves emotional strain, and many jobs have similar stress factors, so what’s different? A 2019 paper by psychology professor Angela K. Fournier concluded that people working with animals carry an even heavier burden than those in other helping professions because of the issues unique to working with animals: euthanasia and caring for living beings which cannot articulate their needs and experiences.

THE UNSPOKEN SUBJECT

It is the matter of putting animals to sleep that nobody likes to think about, but which must play a major role here. Releasing sick or old pets from suffering is one thing, but it’s another entirely to have to euthanise healthy animals, because they don’t have homes, or their owners can’t or don’t want to keep them, or because treatment is too costly. Regardless of the reason, though, it’s never easy for a person who loves animals to perform or assist with euthanasia or handle the deceased animal afterward. Vets are there for the people who are heartbroken or angry at the loss of their pet, and they’re there to comfort animals whose owners (if they have owners) either can’t or don’t want to be there. They need to stay professional, no matter how they feel. This would take a toll on anyone.

PROBLEMATIC PERCEPTIONS

How people perceive and behave towards those working with animals compounds the problem. There’s the idea that, because someone loves animals, they should treat them for free or at all hours. But, despite popular belief, being a veterinarian is not generally a very lucrative profession; running a practice is expensive and steep university fees take many years to pay off. Doing things for free or giving discounts to everyone simply isn’t possible. And as much as veterinary professionals love animals, they still need to rest and spend time with their families and their own pets. They have to draw the line somewhere, but this doesn’t always go down well with clients. Vets worldwide report increasing levels of cyberbullying, social media smears and intimidation from disgruntled clients who don’t get their way. Either the vet has strong boundaries, but feels guilty or is attacked because they said ‘no’, or they say ‘yes’ to everything and risk burnout or going bankrupt. It’s a lose-lose situation that, for some, can simply be too much.

NOT ONE MORE VET

In 2014, American veterinarian, Dr Sophia Yin, took her own life. In response, the Not One More Vet movement was started by fellow vet, Dr Nicole McArthur. It has since become an international non-profit organisation aimed at raising awareness and supporting veterinary professionals with their mental health, as well as providing forums for them to share concerns and receive support anonymously.

Dr Leon says that increasing mental resilience in those working with animals is a key part of the equation in changing the situation. As such, numerous steps are being taken in South Africa, including mental health focus groups and workshops, mentorship programmes, increased emphasis on mental wellness in the curriculum, and the establishment of a SAVA Stress and Crisis Counselling Hotline. The other part of the equation is reducing stressors in veterinary practice - and that’s where you can help. All you have to do is to be kind. As the saying goes: a kind gesture could reach a wound that only compassion can heal.

THE COST OF CARING

Compassion fatigue is defined as ‘a state of emotional exhaustion, caused by the stress of caring for traumatised or suffering animals or people’* and is considered by psychologists to be a less severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder. Essentially, caring for others and being empathetic all day long, leads to you having nothing left to give.

WAY TO HELP7 ANIMAL CARE

WORKERS

1Be kind and compassionate. Dr Leon says, “We understand that our clients care deeply about their pets and we honestly do everything we can to assist them. Being treated harshly is very traumatic for vets so we ask that people just be kind.”

2Think before you get a pet and

plan ahead. Investigate all costs and consider if you can pay for veterinary care. Get pet medical aid or set aside money monthly for emergencies. Your pet’s health can’t depend on someone else treating them for cheaper.

3Communicate. Communication breakdowns with owners make it hard to treat their animals effectively. Work together to get the best care for your pet. This will reduce disagreements arising.

GET HELP

If you or someone you care about is struggling, there is help so reach out as soon as possible.

• SAVA Stress Management Hotline for veterinary professionals: 0800 21 21 21 or www.sava.co.za

• The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): www.sadag.org or 0800 456 789

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Address complaints properly. If issues arise, keep an open line of discussion and, if a matter is serious, address it through the proper channels in a diplomatic manner.

5Stay off social media. Online attacks don’t fix problems and cause anguish for all concerned, plus you could end up with a defamation charge. 6 Say thank you. Simple good manners like thanking someone who helps you and your pet goes a long way. If your pet gets better, let the vet know, send a thank you note to the practice, and share your good experience with others.

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Be there. If you know someone who’s struggling, be there for them and encourage them to seek help.