World Mental Health Day 2021

Mental health has been an issue for clients and staff over the last couple of years, increased by the global pandemic. This Sunday represents World Mental Health Day 2021. The goal is to help raise mental health awareness and each of us can make a contribution to ensure that people living with mental illness can live better lives with dignity.

Being a vet can be exciting and rewarding. However, caring for animals can be challenging, too – mentally as well as physically.

It has been recognised in several studies that levels of depression, stress and anxiety are disproportionately high among veterinary professionals.

Psychological wellbeing at work is a focus of attention for the veterinary profession. In particular, we recognise the importance of addressing work related stress to protect the wellbeing of the veterinary team. Work stress can affect physical and psychological health, and can also lead to poorer work performance, increased absenteeism and employee turnover. The ethical and business reasons for tackling work stress are clear.

Compared to the general population, there is evidence of elevated psychological distress in the veterinary profession with higher levels of:

• anxiety
• depressive symptoms
• suicidal thoughts
• suicide risk

This is not just a UK problem; similar findings have been reported in almost all countries where research has been conducted. An RCVS survey of veterinary surgeons found that almost 90% reported that veterinary work is stressful.

Vets

Thank you to all the vets, vet nurses and veterinary staff who have worked saving pets throughout the pandemic. It is now even harder than ever with staff shortages and work backlogs. We’ll get through this together and we will ensure that we stay safe and healthy.

Clients

World Mental Health Day is a day to reflect on the increased stress and anxiety of the recent times and we would ask that you please bear in mind the stress of your veterinary professionals who have worked throughout the pandemic and are under immense pressure at this time. Please be patient and respectful. #bekind

Thank you also to our wonderful pets who have given so many so much joy during this time.

Increase in pet ownership

A total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association. That means the country now has 17 million pet-owning homes, the association says.

What Makes Pet Ownership So Good for Your Mental Health?

The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress.

Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including:

• increasing your physical activity. Dog owners are likely to take their pet out every day for a walk or run. This can be a fun way to fit exercise into your routine
• providing companionship. Pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. Caring for them can help you feel wanted and needed. This can be especially valuable for older people or those who live alone
• reducing anxiety. The companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety
• boosting self-confidence. Pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticise you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood
• helping you meet new people. Dog owners often stop and chat to each other on walks. But other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example
• adding structure to your day. Having to feed, exercise and care for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.

Coping during the pandemic

Everyone has been affected by the recent pandemic. We managed to remain open for our clients and their pets and is something we are extremely proud of. We put in place tight safety measures including social distancing, the wearing of masks at all times and we even introduced video conference consolations for concerned clients who felt unable to attend our surgeries.

Veterinary practices have also been under huge pressure during lockdown. Trying to balance staff shortages and additional safety measures with the influx of new registrations has pushed many veterinary staff to the limit. Vets weren’t classed as essential workers by the Government, creating additional challenges such as childcare for many.

Many pet owners felt anxious about the new procedures and not being able to go with their pet into the consult room. In a recent survey seven out of ten pet owners who had to visit a vet during lockdown had concerns relating to these visits. However, pet owners can rest assured veterinary professionals are doing their best to deliver the same high standards of care as usual, even under challenging circumstances.

We understand that the pandemic has changed the lives of everyone and we appreciate the patience and kindness of all our staff and clients!