Finding Calm Amid the Chaos:
When its not the patient that needs a wellness check, but the veterinarian.
by Malinda Larkin
1368 JAVMA News: November 15, 2013 Vol. 243, No. 10
Summary
This JAVMA article addresses a sensitive but important
subject, the mental health of veterinarians. While the general public seems to
view us as the happiest people in the world because we love animals and have
devoted our lives to helping them, the truth is that it's a profession that
demands a lot of its doctors and takes a toll on their physical and mental well
being. In this article the author sheds light on some disturbing evidence that
some veterinarians find the job overwhelming. As a result their mental health
suffers, sometimes even to the point of suicide.
Selected key points of
the paper:
- Veterinarians are 3 – 4 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population.
- Veterinarians tend to have personality traits that predispose us to mental health problems (perfectionism, neuroticism, and conscientiousness).
- Many veterinarians with suicidal thoughts or behavior choose not to talk to anyone about their problems.
- Female veterinarians, young veterinarians, and those working alone are at more risk for mental health problems.
- Suicidal thoughts are first encountered during the transition from vet school to private practice.
- Resources for prevention and treatment of mental health issues are lacking in many areas.
Veterinarians face incredible stress everyday. As the
article states, student debt, demanding clients, keeping up with new
information, increasing levels of standard of care, and competition from spay/neuter
clinics and specialty practices are all factors leading to frustration and
unhappiness. Long hours in clinics contribute to both mental and physical
health problems. Veterinarians have ready access to controlled drugs, and we
are trained to help owners consider euthanasia of their animal as an option to
end pain and suffering.
An increased awareness of the problem is discussed in the
paper. Presentations at veterinary conferences have addressed the issue, and The
Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine recently hosted a Health and Wellness
Summit to create an open forum where people could talk about the problem. At
the summit there were attendees from 22 veterinary colleges including
administrators and mental health professionals. The issue appears to be getting
more exposure, and more people are talking about it.
To help prevent mental health issues, the author includes “Strategies
for enhancing and sustaining individual well-being”, such as connecting to
people, regular exercise, life long learning, maintaining a positive attitude,
and accepting who you are and what you have to offer. The AVMA website
(www.avma.org/wellness) now has information in its “Peer Assistance and
Wellness” section to assist struggling veterinarians. Resources such as a
stress checklist and a work-life balance reading list are available on the
site.
Commentary
Many years ago I experienced the loss of a colleague due to
suicide. I worked with her at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She
was an intelligent, energetic, and highly motivated veterinarian. It’s sad to
think there are so many members of our profession who have these kinds of
struggles. The job demands a lot,
and sometimes it is simply overwhelming. Unrealistic and angry clients, animals
with terminal illnesses, euthanasia, and handling fractious animals are just a
few of the daily duties that can stretch our physical and mental capabilities
to their limits. We are very good at consoling owners with sick and dying
animals, but who consoles us? I’m glad the JAVMA published this eye-opening
article; hopefully it will stimulate an ongoing discussion of the problem and
how it can be treated. Maybe the old adage: “Physician, heal thyself.” should
be modified to: “Veterinarian, heal your colleagues.”
Tell me what you think about these issues.
What are the most
frustrating or stressful aspects of your job?
How do you cope with
the rigors of being a veterinarian?
What would you add to
the list of wellness strategies that the article outlines?
What does the
profession as a whole need to do to help our colleagues who are struggling?
References
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