Mental Health Awareness Week is almost at an end and once again has provided a much needed platform for discussion about mental health. This year the focus has been on stress — two thirds of people experience a mental health problem at some point in their life, and stress is a key contributor to this.
Earlier in the month the BVA revealed that over 77% of veterinary professionals have expressed concern for a colleague or student — the BVA's message this week has therefore been about ‘reaching out to colleagues by opening up about the issues and experiences that may be causing them stress’. The BVA has encouraged people to share the tools that help them to cope. Tweeted tips include spending more time in nature; taking time to do something you love (such as taking a dog for a walk somewhere beautiful); and being kind to yourself and others (doing things for others can make us all happier and healthier).
The Guide to enhancing wellbeing in the veterinary workplace was published by the BVA as part of their Mind Matters Initiative in January and provides practical advice on managing stress and promoting wellbeing. At the individual level interventions are designed at helping people to increase resilience and the ability to cope with stress at work. Suggested strategies include mindfulness, relaxation techniques and adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Striking the right work–life balance is important for us all — we all need to make time for the activities we enjoy, be it gardening, running, art or playing tennis — and it can be beneficial for people to have a say in scheduling their duties, perhaps to give them time to take part in these activities. Breaks during the day are essential — and people should not feel guilty about taking a quiet moment to themselves. Positive work relationships are also essential, and people can be encouraged to take work breaks together — a communal lunch area can be a perfect place for sharing experiences and forging good, supportive teams. Mentoring schemes can make people feel supported. And, if there are any conflicts, there should be measures in place so these can be dealt with quickly and effectively.
There are aspects of the veterinary profession that will always be stressful no matter what personal coping strategies are in place, such as the witnessing of an animal's suffering or dealing with upset clients — it is recommended that all staff should be appropriately trained to deal with these. Taking time to reflect on difficult situations as a group can help to reduce the sense of isolation.
Feeling in control has been shown to be a big factor in wellbeing and good communication within a practice is fundamental — so make your views known, talk to your colleagues and above all ask for help if you need it and offer help to others who are in need.
So, why not go on an evening out with your colleagues, take time to make sure they're OK, plan for the forthcoming practice displays (next month is Microchipping Awareness Month) and above all, remember to take time to relax and enjoy yourselves.