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Long hours, emotional rollercoastering, and the demands of the profession are pushing many South African veterinarians to the brink of burnout.

This is the mental health crisis that many of our vets face behind the scenes.

This issue was a topic of conversation at the recent 39th annual World Veterinary Congress in Cape Town, where experts urged vets to prioritise their own well-being and seek help when needed, The South African reported.

South African vets face myriad challenges. Alongside needing an impressive knowledge base that requires constant mental exertion to keep our furry friends healthy, the emotional toll and physical demands all add to a rather heavy load to carry and can lead to severe mental strain.

Quixi Sonntag, a lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s Department of Production Animal Studies, reveals the daily realities for our local vets.

“Their work necessitates specialised knowledge and skills, demanding mental effort on a daily basis. Additionally, the job can be physically taxing and even dangerous at times when dealing with aggressive animals,” she explains.

Sonntag emphasises the cumulative effects of long hours, the emotional burden of treating animals, and the weight of administrative tasks, all of which contribute to potential burnout.

“This relentless pressure can lead to burnout – a state of emotional exhaustion that can negatively impact a vet’s ability to effectively care for animals,” she says.

The fact that no one in the veterinary profession really talks about their mental health also adds to the weight of it all, according to Sonntag, who says the working environment can become a breeding ground for silence when it comes to mental health.

“Vets typically shy away from admitting they’re struggling mentally. Stigma plays a part, along with a sense of fierce independence – the attitude of ‘I can handle this myself, I don’t need help,’” she explains.

Rudél Zowitsky, a technical veterinarian, adds that general morale among many vets is extremely low, which also impacts their professional and personal capacities.

“The anger and frustration stemming from the moral distress of veterinarians is evident across all sectors of the profession,” she says.

To lighten the load, Sonntag advocates for open communication, destigmatising mental health, and promoting support services in the South African veterinary profession.

However, the pervasive culture of stoicism prevents South African Vets from seeking the support they need, potentially leading to more serious mental health issues.

While the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) offers a suicide prevention helpline, Zowitsky acknowledges that “many vets might not even be aware of this service.”

Zowitsky acknowledges that vets are struggling the world over, so hoping to the other side of the pond won’t exactly bring relief.

“These issues – the shortage of vets and the mental health challenges – are affecting vets all over the world. Unfortunately, due to economic and political factors, many vets leave South Africa, but the pressures of veterinary work persist, even where they seek greener pastures.”

She reckons the more people know about these issues, the better it can get, saying that “The public is still largely, if not entirely, unaware of the mental health struggles within veterinary science.”

Zowitsky proposes educating the public about the emotional and financial realities of veterinary care to cultivate empathy and understanding.

Promoting open communication and establishing a supportive environment are essential in addressing the mental health challenges faced by South Africa’s veterinarians, ultimately benefiting both the animals and their caregivers.

[source:southafrican]