Our profession is sadly over represented in mental health statistics, UK Veterinarians have been found to be four times more likely to die of suicide than the general population, that's just our veterinarians; what about our nurses? As a group, we tend to be empathetic by nature, extremely dedicated and are often exposed to stressful situations and the potential for compassion fatigue. The struggle to maintain healthy work–life balance remains a real problem. Many of us spend our days trying to improve lives, even save lives; but what are we doing to help ourselves?
The challenging thing about mental illness is, it doesn't discriminate. Even those who appear to be extremely high functioning could be suffering in silence.
As a new graduate, it appeared to others that I was coping well. On the surface, I was a duck gliding across the pond, problems would slide off me like water off the duck's back. Around me the phones rang, patients were rushed around, other veterinary nurses seemed to glide effortlessly from one task to another, yet there I was; drowning under a wave of anxiety.
Never had I felt more inadequate and out of my depth. Underneath that water, those little duck feet could not kick fast enough to keep up! Each evening I would leave the clinic exhausted, go home and crumble in a torrent of tears. Why? I have no idea! There was no real reason for the way I was feeling, but that didn't make the pain less real. To everyone on the outside I was bubbly and enthusiastic, but to those closest to me, I was broken. Broken by anxiety and depression.
Many reading this might be able to relate to my story on some level. For me, my anxiety was driven by the need to succeed, a fear of failure and the drive to maintain control of my future. I had been a high achiever, received good grades in my studies and suddenly, I was thrust into an environment where I simply didn't know it all. I might as well have had FAILURE tattooed across my forehead in neon letters. This was a warped view of reality but one I was living in.
So, when do a few bad days turn into something more serious? Mental illness presents itself in a number of ways. Some people will cry, others become withdrawn, unable to focus, unable to eat well or sleep and even the things that usually delight the most seem far too hard to attempt. When the bad days outweigh the good, please seek help. This does not mean you are a failure, simply that you need a little help. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness or failure. The only issue is suffering alone.
As an industry, we are making great steps towards focusing on environmental sustainability, but what I would like to see even more is a drive to increase the personal sustainability of our veterinary nurses. Veterinary nurses are one of our industry's greatest assets and we need to take steps to ensure every staff member feels valued and supported. Creating strong networks of support for our professionals is essential and something we can all help with.
If you or someone you know is suffering please have a conversation with someone you trust or contact your nearest support network such as https://www.vetlife.org.uk/ or your GP. You are not in this alone!