Veterinary Connect- Counselling,Training and Mental Health Consultancy in Perth, Western Australia | Medical and health

Veterinary Connect- Counselling,Training and Mental Health Consultancy

Locality: Perth, Western Australia

Phone: +61 414 235 583

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• Mental health service

25.01.2022 Lets discuss the number one occupational hazard in the industry...pet acquisition! https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//you-cant-save-them-

25.01.2022 I invite you all to come on over and read my first blog post. Its an important one! https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//burnout-why-don-t-w

21.01.2022 New blog post is up! https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//convenience-euthana

19.01.2022 April is Stress Awareness Month. Did you know that the vast majority of mental health issues and conditions are caused by stress? In the workplace, the primary... ways in which stress and mental ill-health manifest are anxiety and depression, which although not always caused directly by work, can be exacerbated by it. In some cases, the causes of stress do originate at work and this is referred to as work-related stress. Employers have a legal duty to protect their people from this: Read more at: https://www.mentalhealthintheworkplace.co.uk/work-related-/

19.01.2022 Now that COVID19 restrictions are being eased we are now offering training and in-clinic consultancy services. Please visit www.veterinary-connect.com for information on how we can help your workplace achieve effective leadership and mental wellness.

18.01.2022 Its normal not to feel OK in these challenging times. Georgie Harman, CEO at Beyond Blue, explains how to manage anxiety amid all the uncertainty. If you or a ...loved one need support or advice with feelings of depression or anxiety, please visit www.beyondblue.org.au Video: Nicole Precel via The Age.

18.01.2022 FREE COVID-19 ONLINE DEBRIEF & SUPPORT SESSION MONDAY 30 MARCH 2020 - 7.00PM AEST (QLD) Globally we are facing unprecedented and unpredictable times due to the ...COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are feeling fear and overwhelm due to all the uncertainty this brings. This free online session will be facilitated by Dr Nadine Hamilton, specialist and leading authority on veterinary wellbeing with the purpose of helping to create a sense of calm, an opportunity to debrief with your peers, and also find out some ways to cope during this time. The session is restricted to veterinary and animal workers only and is limited to 250 participants only. It is being held via Google Hangouts and a meeting link will be emailed to you upon receipt of your registration. This is the first time Ill be using Hangouts so please bear with me - I have elected to use this instead of my normal platform so I can host more participants. Please register and make sure you enter the promo code FREEBIE to waive the $1.00 fee at: www.positivepsychsolutions.com.au/services #drnadinepsychologist #positivepsychsolutions

17.01.2022 Dont forget to take some time to check-in on your mental health this week. For more information, or to download our fact sheet visit: https://bit.ly/COVID-19-check-in

17.01.2022 Have you told your work fam how much you love them lately? https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//working-with-someon

15.01.2022 New blog post! https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//is-there-such-thing

15.01.2022 Veterinarian Suicide Crisis Recently there was an episode of Insight on ABC in Australia regarding issues of mental health, stress, and suicide in the veterinar...y profession, which is receiving great feedback from the general public (https://www.sbs.com.au/ne/insight/tvepisode/veterinary-care). This enlightening snippet, coupled with numerous worrying news headlines about the current worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, the tanking economy, and other related stresses, has prompted the VDA to once again explore the data regarding suicide in veterinarians. The conversation on suicide in the veterinary world needs more attention. As uncomfortable as this topic is for many it is a necessary one, as every life is too valuable to lose. There needs to be a drastic culture change regarding mental and emotional health, especially within the veterinary field. A quick Google search on Veterinary suicide reveals multiple stories about vets who have taken their lives. There is no commonality in age, gender, race, or location but there are repetitive claims of online abuse, long working hours, difficult pet owners, moral ethical dilemmas and easy access to drugs, to name a few. Articles cite recommendations such as education on suicide and access to counseling resources but there is little evidence of these resources actually being made readily available to veterinarians - and so suicidal ideation has become a pressure cooker on the brink of explosion. In many of the cases in which the VDA is involved, vets are abused by pet owners (physically, emotionally and, more recently, via online methods) creating incredible duress, during already stressful events. And all the while the beleaguered veterinarian still has to maintain a demanding job. The VDA is witness to a crumbling structure where more vets are leaving the profession than those going into the profession, meaning that veterinary practices, and especially emergency practices, are closing due to lack of staff. Current Suicide Statistics A recent study (2018) released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, in the USA) spanning a 36 year period, revealed that veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the United States are at an increased risk of suicide. Female veterinarians are 3.5 times and male vets are 2.1 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. 75% of the vets that have committed suicide (often with the drugs they use for their patients) worked at a small animal hospital. It is also noted that vets are more likely to die by suicide on the first attempt because they have easy access to highly lethal methods such as guns and pentobarbital. The reasons why vets are committing suicide at a higher rate than the rest of the population include the high expectations they have for themselves, feelings of inadequacy, financial concerns, fatigue due to demanding work schedules and easy access to lethal drugs. It has been suggested that introducing administrative controls involving limiting pentobarbital access in veterinary clinics is an easy solution but most vets feel that this suggestion is just a Band-Aid plastered over a much bigger problem. If a person is desperate enough limiting access to drugs just means they will find another way to commit suicide. Australia has seen an increase in veterinary suicide with vets being 4 times more likely than the general population to commit suicide. Recent coronial inquests into vet suicide resulted in recommendations for veterinarians to practise safe drug storage and mandatory record-keeping. However; some objectors believe these measures will impede the delivery of timely veterinary services which will affect the welfare of animals. They have called for a mandate for dangerous drugs to be locked away when not in use. This practise is in effect almost everywhere in the world, but could not possibly be effective in preventing veterinary suicide, since veterinarians (the very people who are at risk) are the ones who would have access to these drugs! Factors Specific to the Veterinary Profession: Vets today are vulnerable to depression and suicide due to a multiple of intertwined reasons, starting with the fact that people who go into the veterinary field are usually highly motivated individuals who place a lot of pressure on themselves to achieve perfection. Finances Financial issues start with vet school which is an expensive program spanning a minimum of five years. Most vets have taken a student loan, so they start their career with hundreds of thousands that need to be paid off. Vets are forced to work long hours to earn enough to live on as well as pay these debts, sometimes taking second jobs. Unlike medical doctors who also have expensive schooling, vets dont get paid as much, meaning they are in debt for longer, making the light at the end of the tunnel seem even smaller and dimmer. Those that own their practice face angry pet owners that refuse to pay their bills, often multiple times a week, resulting in further debt and further stress. Social Media and Cyberbullying The internet has proven to be a dangerous place for vets where angry and usually uninformed pet owners start a rant. As is the way with all emotional subjects (and pets are a particularly emotive issue), these remarks spread like wildfire, picking up responses from uninformed people who may even live on the other side of the world; all piling on and bad-mouthing one vet for something that, in all probability, they didnt do. There is a massive danger of online mob mentality if a vet seems to do something that violates a pet cause. Numerous stories and news articles are available of vets who have committed suicide because of online harassment. The VDA has encountered numerous instances of cyberbullying and they are stressful and damaging to any vets reputation. Work- Life Balance Vets work long hours to pay off student- and other debts and very often take the job home with them, where they may sit late into the night sending emails or following up on clients. For those that own a practice, management responsibilities are often overwhelming. Staff morale constantly needs propping up and staff need emotional support, leaving vet owners no room for looking after themselves. Ethical- Moral Issues Vets are often tasked with euthanizing animals at the owners discretion where it is not warranted, resulting in an ethical conflict and moral distress. Dealing with death on a daily basis and the actual act of putting animals to sleep is emotionally highly taxing to the veterinarian. The greatest problem is that the veterinarians proximity to death can make dying seem a reasonable way to relieve pain and suffering. Animal Owners Animal owners have been cited as the most challenging aspect of the job because they are emotional and unpredictable in dealing with their pets. It is common for owners to believe a vet should treat their animal for a fraction of the cost of human care, and once a pet dies many pet owners refuse to pay the bill, as the owner either forgets or becomes unable to grasp the value of what the vet has done to try to save the animals life, or simply loses their moral compass in a quest to guard their purse strings. Access to Drugs Suicide is an impulsive act and if one has the means (access to drugs) to act upon this urge and the knowledge with which to induce a lethal dose, the result is usually fatal. Solutions Introducing compulsory mental health training in veterinary school will provide the tools to deal with personal issues as well as problems outside of the vets control such as angry pet owners. Insisting on pet owners having pet insurance would ensure that the practice will not suffer financial loss and will take the pressure off the vet being forced to euthanize because the owner cannot afford treatment. Practice owners should introduce mental health training within the workplace, and ensure information is available to the vets within a practice by sticking up posters with essential information along with a list of local hotline numbers. (Consider the colored blocks of text below this article). Embrace the notion that the profession needs to look at this in a more enlightened manner. We need to be aware of those around us who may need help. The simple act of asking each person in the practice how they are doing every day and listening to their responses can be invaluable. A heightened sense of awareness of mental health issues in the veterinary field is the starting point to a long journey of healing in the veterinary world. If you, or anyone around you, are feeling overwhelmed or having suicidal thoughts, please contact a health professional or call the VDA for support. General Risk factors: Symptoms of depression: hopeless outlook on life, loss of interest in everyday activities, change in sleep patterns (normally increased fatigue), anxiety, irritability, changes in appetite (also weight loss or gain), changes in moods and emotions, and suicidal ideation Speaking actively of suicide or death Recent loss such as divorce or relationship breakdown, death of a loved one, retirement or loss of job, money, status, security or health problems Family history of suicide Substance abuse Prior suicide attempts Declining performance or participation in work, relationships, hobbies and social interaction Searching for a means to commit suicide or working out a plan What to do if you suspect that someone is suicidal: Listen: most suicidal people feel isolated and unimportant. Be empathetic and nonjudgmental in any feedback you give. Look for the warning signs: most suicidal people dont wish to die but they are incapable of seeing other options. If you have suspicions, ask them if they are suicidal. This gives them permission to talk and will not make it worse. Talking gives a suicidal person a sense of connection, hope and that someone cares enough to listen and support them. If they confirm that they are suicidal, ask if they have a plan, the means and if theyve thought about when to attempt it (what, where, when and how). If there is not a plan, it may not be an immediate crisis, however; there is still a serious problem and encouraging professional help is step one. If there is a plan but they are not threatening immediate action then you need to ensure that they commit to not taking suicidal action until they see you or a professional. If there is a plan and they have threatened action, seek professional help immediately and do not leave them alone! References https://www.cdc.gov//releases/2018/p1220-veterinarians-sui https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ https://www.sbs.com.au/ne/insight/tvepisode/veterinary-care https://www.newsmax.com//veterinaria/2019/04/09/id/910820/ https://beta.washingtonpost.com//0f58df7a-f35b-11e8-80d0-f https://www.downtoearth.org.in//in-almost-4-decades-400-us https://www.upi.com//CDC-study-finds-higher/8321545329516/ https://drandyroark.com/suicide-prevention-the-staggering-/ https://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-2520-why-are-s https://www.abc.net.au//vet-shortage-as-suicide-r/10708686 https://www.sbs.com.au//a-look-at-australia-s-veterinarian https://todaysveterinarynurse.com//veterinary-suicide-ra/

15.01.2022 "I analyze things constantly. I cant turn my brain off."

13.01.2022 Hi everyone. I am looking at doing a series of free webinars on mental health in the workplace. What topics would you like to see?

12.01.2022 This is so true. There is so much more to healing than we think. There is so much power in talking and debriefing with others, whether they be coworkers, family or a professional.

11.01.2022 For everyone following the blog, I have now made a separate page just to have them all together (and because we have some exciting new secret business to add to it soon!) Anyway here is a new post!

11.01.2022 Reminder: Spoil yourself this weekend!

10.01.2022 #WeveBeenLockedDownButWellGetUpAgain #RespectYourVet This profession still has the same beating heart as Herriott, the same desire to help, support, heal and ca...re; the same passion to prevent suffering and bring comfort. Right now, we have to go about that in different ways; delay some things, work more awkwardly, to cope with difficulty. Were not immune to fear, we worry for our families, businesses, jobs, and the future. The inspirational resolve and determination being shown by so many colleagues will carry this profession through this valley. We know some of you have had a tough time with clients who dont fully understand the difficulties you are working under; we hope this helps. Take care, stay safe, and were as proud of you all as ever. See more

08.01.2022 The Practice Management Webinar Series is here. Head over to our events section to register for your exclusive access to these sessions that will help you lead your team not only with success, but with compassion and empathy also. Each session will include a Q & A at the end so any questions you have can be answered. Monday 14th June: How to have difficult conversations with your team.... Tuesday 15th June: Navigating different personalities and personal issues for managers. Wednesday 16th June: Purpose or Profit? How to inspire your team to achieve. Each webinar has a choice of time slots to make it easier for you to attend. To book please go to our Facebook events page https://m.facebook.com/veterinaryconnect/events/

06.01.2022 We are all but cogs... https://veterinaryconnect.wixsite.com//turning-cogs-is-you

04.01.2022 Welcome to all new members of this page. If you are a veterinary clinic employee please feel free to join one of our support groups or debrief rooms. These groups are designed to be a safe place to chat about stressful events and situations that occur at work. Hope to see you all there!

02.01.2022 We are not all still working through isolation in the workplace, some of us are at home. Here are some tips to help manage. I would love to hear what you are doing to foster your self care? Personally Im trying to stick to a routine, getting out into nature for Bush walks and trying to get yoga in most days....Continue reading

02.01.2022 We are so happy to announce that we are now offering industry specific counselling in the perth area. This can be an extremely stressful industry and it can help to speak to someone who has had similar experiences. Please visit www.veterinary-connect.com for details.

01.01.2022 Oh my gosh this is a joke! I hope all of the casual workers out there are not finding this all too much. I know not all of you can afford to put money away especially in an industry where we arent getting paid well to start with. This just shows how out of touch politicians are with the working class, many of us are just struggling (and often not succeeding) to make ends meet every week.

01.01.2022 This message is so important