Mental Health & Wellbeing within the Veterinary Professions from Veterinary Council of Ireland

The Veterinary Council of Ireland, in an effort to support the health and wellbeing of its members, partnered with the National Suicide Research Foundation and the National Officer for Suicide Prevention to undertake research into the mental health of the veterinary professions in Ireland in 2021. The National Suicide Research Foundation analysed the anonymous research responses which culminates in the Mental Health of Veterinary Professionals in Ireland Report at the end of 2022, available HERE.

Information on the health supports available to any veterinary professional are listed on the VCI website and accessible here.

A high level summary of the response trends include:

  • Anxiety levels were high amongst all occupational groups
  • Work life balance is a significant stressor
  • Veterinary nurses have higher prevalence of poor mental health and self-harm (related to the age-sex profile of the group)
  • Activities and social supports being used to mitigate distress
  • Anxiety, depression and stress are significantly higher for younger respondents than older respondents
  • 79% of respondents believe supporting mental health and wellbeing is the most important issue facing the veterinary professionals today.

To promote awareness of mental health, well-being, and resilience within the Veterinary Professions, we enclose a link to a 60 minute webinar developed on the topic accessible here.

Veterinary Council of Ireland in April 2022

 

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