World Mental Health Day 2024 – Prioritising mental health in the workplace

^{Image: Summer Hill Village Vet team}

World Mental Health Day on Thursday 10 October was a powerful reminder to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing, irrespective of whether we’ve personally encountered mental illness.

Insights from participants in AVA’s THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams Pilot Program reinforced the global theme “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace” and the importance of mental health awareness and support in the veterinary profession.

This was also recognised by proud supporters of the pilot program, the Zoetis Foundation, who shared: “At the center of animal care, it’s critical we support veterinarians in a fulfilling, well-balanced profession with a strong talent pipeline. Working in the veterinary profession can be meaningful and rewarding, full of both opportunities and challenges. However, compassion fatigue and increased debt, among other factors, can lead to mental health challenges, including a higher risk of suicide among veterinarians than many other professions.”

AVA’s THRIVE wellness initiative is informed by an industry specific framework and is for all members of the veterinary community.

Insights from THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams Pilot Program

Participants from the Perth Cat Hospital shared their positive experience of the program, valuing the education around the role communication plays in fostering a safe workplace. “I really liked the discussion about mental health being a shared responsibility,” one team member noted.

“Management has a responsibility to provide a safe workplace and have resources or policies in place to ensure this for staff. They should maintain open communication on this issue and continue to update and improve as needed. Staff also have a responsibility to monitor and act on their own mental health and seek help when they need it. They also have a responsibility to abide by the workplace’s code of conduct and contribute towards making work a safe place.”  

Feedback from the Summer Hill Village Vet in NSW showcased the program's impact on practical approaches to mental health challenges. “The program has given us valuable language and a practical framework to help approach these safety issues. We are able to assess risks in a tangible way now and have specific measures for success.”

The Macarthur Veterinary Group welcomed the Aspect Group to their clinic this year, saying the collaborative aspect of mental health support was a big takeaway.

“We are not alone, we are a team, not just within our clinic but within the industry. Mental health affects us all, and there are numerous resources to help us look out for one another.”

As part of Mental Health Month, the AVA encourages all veterinary professionals to prioritise mental health and reflect on their wellbeing. A representative from Grantham Street Veterinary Clinic in Western Australia appreciated the guidance offered by the program.

“As managers, you never actually know what might be worrying your staff...until you ask them. The AVA CST program gives you an insight into how to structure your approach, whilst allowing plenty of opportunity to tailor it to your particular circumstances and personnel.”

What can you do to cultivate a safe team in your workplace?

Learn more about the THRIVE Cultivating Safe Team Program here or join the THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams Stakeholder Summit in November. The summit is for all veterinary professionals who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological risks and protective factors faced by veterinary teams today.