02/02/2012Posted : February 02, 2012
Short film to support vet professionals goes live

A short film depicting a veterinarian’s experience of depression and recovery has been posted on the Vetlife website and Facebook page to help support other members of veterinary professions.

The film, which is the first of a series, has been designed to encourage veterinarians, VNs and students to communicate more openly about stress and depression and to encourage employers to do more to support staff experiencing mental health problems.

The films, which use professional actors to play out real-life scenarios faced by veterinary professionals, are being produced by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF). Issues to be covered in subsequent films include debt, addiction and professional conduct.

Commenting on the recent production, Nick Short, the VBF director responsible for the development of the Vetlife website, said: “We are so grateful to the veterinary surgeon concerned for having the courage to share her story and for her insights into what could be done to make recovery easier for other vets. We were delighted to hear that she felt she was treated well and got the help she needed from the VBF and the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme (VSHSP)” 

Rory O’Connor, national co-ordinator at the VSHSP, which offers support and therapy to vets, VNs and students, said: “Many of us will have mental health problems at some point in our lives but most can make a full return to work with the right support. As highlighted in the film, it is really helpful if employers are willing to explore adjustments to working conditions or to the working environment such as flexible working hours or changes to working responsibilities. I am always available to help both employers and employees with these kinds of discussions. All advice is completely confidential.”