VBF survey reveals stress issues
The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has published the results of a survey which investigated the veterinary profession's responses to the realities of professional life. When asked 'What are the key issues, if any, for the veterinary profession?' and told to select up to five answers from a list, a pool of 400 veterinary surgeons returned the following responses:
- Stress management (18.7%)
- Balancing work and family life (16%)
- Depression (10.9%)
- Relationships at work (8.4%)
- Managing personal finances/debt etc (8%)
- Career development (8%)
- Other life/work balance issues (7.4%)
- Employment disputes (4.8%)
- Difficulties returning to career after family break, sickness or accident (3.2%)
- Addictions (3.1%)
- Bullying (2.8%)
- Other (2.3%)
- Assertiveness (2.2%)
- Accessing support services outside normal hours (2%)
- Other mental health problems (1.2%)
- Redundancy (0.7%)
- None of these (0.3%)
"While we train hard for our chosen career and many go on to find fulfilment, it's clear that in today's challenging environment, the reality of life in practice can prove a strain. The effect on relationships both at home and at work can be traumatic and yet, as a profession we can be reluctant to seek help or advice."
"Ensuring the wellbeing of all those working in the profession is our goal and we will look to increase the support we can provide in 2012. We greatly appreciate involvement and support from the profession and from industry to sustain our vital work and would ask anyone interested in helping us or getting involved to contact us."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
