Vetsonline.com have just published a very revealing survey Who would you feel most comfortable talking to if you were to experience personal issues, such as depression or addiction? •    Colleague – 1.31% •    Employer – 1.31% •    Friend – 25% •    Family member – 26.32% •    Health professional – 22.37% •    Support line – 6.58% [...]

VBF publishes video of a vet speaking on depression within the veterinary profession

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has released a video of a vet speaking of their experiences with depression and mental health while in practice.

The VBF is hoping to promote donations and raise awareness of the prevalence of issues vets face but are often afraid to talk about.

Is the struggle and debt worth it for the next generation?

Vets are held in high regard in most societies. It’s a challenging, rewarding and worthwhile career: so why are so many vets advising their kids away from veterinary medicine?

In the US at least vetmed debt can skyrocket to over $130 000. Salaries typically range from $40 000 to $100 000, but most young vets won’t reach the top end of that salary for many years, if at all.

Vets suffer from some of the highest depression rates in any profession, the stress of putting down a family’s treasured pet coupled with the stress of constantly having to stay on top of continued education lead many vets to mental illness and addiction.

So what makes young people want to become vets? Visit Vetstreet to find out.

Vets are people too…

And like everyone else feel day-to-day stress, worry about their jobs and are driven to be the best they can be. Unlike most people, vets often don’t ask for help because they see it as a personal failing or believe they should give care and not receive it.

It has made me realise how important it is to really take care of myself physically, eating good food, getting enough rest, relaxation and exercise, which are very basic human needs, but can be difficult to fulfil in the working culture of the veterinary profession.

There is help available – visit our Health & Wellbeing Group for more information.

Read more for a vet’s struggle and, ultimately, triumph against a financial and personal crisis.

Rory O’Connor, UK co-ordinator of Vetlife writes about alarming rates of addiction in vets

The Guardian published a story on addiction rates in professionals, with particular reference to addiction in veterinary professionals and dentists. We spoke to Rory in August and, amongst other aspects of his job, were shocked to hear how far some vets slide before seeking help.

Vetlife and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund are the only two measures in place to provide any real assistance. Rory deals with hundreds of cases personally but this is only the tip of the iceberg: addiction and mental illness affect the profession as vets simply don’t know where to turn or refuse to accept their problems.

Read the article on the Guardian for full details.

If you or someone you know in the profession is struggling with addiction or mental illness, visit Vetlife and give them a call on 07659 811 118.

All advice is given by trained professionals in complete confidence.

Have you told the Veterinary Benevolent Fund what you think of them?

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund has created a survey to find out how the veterinary community see it, with a view to better serve vets through times of trouble and financial hardship.

The survey is completely anonymous and should only take 5-10 minutes.

A man in Edinburgh has pled guilty to causing unnecessary suffering in his pet dog by not taking it to the vet. The 2 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier died of asphyxiation after being fed.

The dog had previously suffered a condition that prevented it from eating. The man took the dog to the vet but a complicated procedure and administrative process left the owner unwilling to go back when the dog relapsed.

Is there a wider implication for vets here? The owner in this particular was described as ‘ill’ and ‘lonely’, but obviously found the visit to the vet stressful or potentially embarrassing. Is there anything the vet could’ve done to ensure the owner came back?

For the full BBC story click here.

The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative (HABRI) foundation was recently incorporated as a not-for-profit organisation with a drive to scientifically prove the beneficial link between pet ownership and better health in humans.

HABRI hope to open a centre to conduct studies and carry out research in the near future. HABRI already has a number of notable financial backers including Pfizer and APPA.

To learn more click here.

With the hustle and bustle of work and the day to day stress you endure as a vet, have you ever taken time to sit back and wonder whether your current position is really what you want?

Unfortunately the job market for vets doesn’t allow much flexibility and a lot of good vets are stuck in positions that are either too demanding or not demanding enough. It’s important to take stock and make sure you’re truly happy with where you want to be, or at least have plans to get there.

This article from Natasha Wilks of High Powered Vet makes for good reading, regardless of where you are in veterinary practice.