Therapeutic support for medical professionals
Like anyone else, doctors, surgeons, psychiatrists, dentists, veterinarians and therapists can develop emotional and mental health issues, caused by work stress, problems in their private lives or a combination of both and will benefit from expert therapeutic support. From my experience of working with these professions, I have seen that it can sometimes be difficult for medical professionals to seek support, driven by a need to be or the shame of not being invincible. Consequently, members of these professions too often suffer in silence.
The renowned Tavistock & Portman Trust in London talks about a ‘martyr complex’ amongst GPs, describing where a person tends to deny their own needs and prioritise the needs of others at the expense of their health and well-being.
Over the years, I have worked with many clients who are members of these professions and can provide expert and confidential support for any emotional or mental health issues.
Therapeutic support for Veterinary Surgeons
Similar to other medical professions, veterinary surgeons can also struggle with very difficult feelings and in finding adequate support. Sadly, the high suicide rate amongst veterinarians make this profession stand out.
According to the US based CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) suicide amongst Veterinary Surgeons is seldom caused by a single factor. These factors may include:
- Demands of practice such as long work hours, work overload, and practice management responsibilities.
- Ever-increasing educational debt-to-income ratio.
- Poor work-life balance.
- Access to euthanasia solutions used for animals.
The UK’s Royal College for Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) at their First Vet Futures Group meeting also cited objectives of an improved work-life balance and zero veterinary suicides.