{"id":22165,"date":"2020-10-05T18:16:12","date_gmt":"2020-10-05T18:16:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=22165"},"modified":"2022-04-05T15:26:15","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T15:26:15","slug":"lasting-in-the-veterinary-profession","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/personal-wellbeing\/lasting-in-the-veterinary-profession\/","title":{"rendered":"Lasting in the Veterinary Profession"},"content":{"rendered":"

As veterinarians, we do not always realize that, because of the complexity of our work, we are at high risk for compassion fatigue. The constant roller coaster of emotions that comes from euthanizing a long-time patient, then celebrating a new puppy exam, followed by treating a complex medical issue, creates extreme emotional highs and lows throughout the day. Because of this, there continues to be research into the causes of burnout, compassion fatigue, and the higher-than-usual rates of mental health concerns in veterinary medicine.1<\/sup><\/span><\/p>\n

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From the Field<\/b> shares insights from Banfield Pet Hospital<\/b><\/span> veterinary team members. Drawing from the nationwide practice\u2019s extensive research, as well as findings from its electronic veterinary medical records database and more than 8 million annual pet visits, this column is intended to explore topics and spark conversations relevant to veterinary practices that ultimately help create a better world for pets.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed approximately 1 in 3 veterinarians has anxiety and 1 in 6 has considered suicide, with a suicide death rate 2 to 3 times higher than the general population.2<\/sup> These findings are startling\u2014and mean that it is very likely you work with someone who is struggling and\/or are suffering yourself. <\/span><\/p>\n

By bringing this conversation to light, we hope to destigmatize these topics and help break down the barriers to getting help. <\/span><\/p>\n

Compassion Fatigue<\/h2>\n

Compassion fatigue can manifest itself in many ways. Burnout\u2014or the detachment from work and other meaningful relationships\u2014along with trouble sleeping, increased alcohol intake, depression, and psychosomatic complaints can all be indicators of compassion fatigue. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to caring for yourself, it is also important to lean into conversations with your peers when you recognize it in them<\/i>. They may not yet have the tools to deal with this, and we owe it to each other to help. As a community, we need to get better at recognizing, destigmatizing, and seeking help around this important topic\u2014it could literally save a life. <\/span><\/p>\n

It is also important to realize that compassion fatigue is not something that we can remove from our profession altogether\u2014it\u2019s a byproduct of the work we do. As doctors, we look to treat and cure, but we cannot cure compassion fatigue. However, we can manage it. We need to learn how to do this job and care for ourselves at the same time. This takes planning and practice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creating a Care Plan<\/h2>\n

To help prevent emotional distress, create a care plan with the goal of taking care of your whole self to ensure resilience under tough circumstances. A successful plan enables us to release blocked emotions that we carry with us throughout the day. This plan should be multi-faceted and ever-changing as part of our work. Start by recognizing the 5 key elements of health and wellbeing: healthy body<\/b>, healthy mind<\/b>, healthy career<\/b>, healthy community<\/b>, <\/b>and healthy finances<\/b>. <\/b>When we take time consider each element, we create a care plan that can help us face compassion fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

L.A.S.T. in the Veterinary Profession<\/h2>\n

The care plan can be a great long-term tool to help maintain your health and wellbeing. But given we cannot take the risk of compassion fatigue out of the work we do every day, it is also important that we have tools and resources to help us in moments of need. <\/span><\/p>\n

One such tool is the acronym L.A.S.T.<\/b>, which stands for Listen, Accept, Seek, and Test. Remember it by thinking, \u201cIf I want to last in this profession, I need to L.A.S.T.\u201d Running through the steps outlined below can help unblock your emotions in the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n