Are you a veterinarian or veterinary nurse? Then read on...

Are you a veterinarian or veterinary nurse?

If so, and you are feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, or burnt-out, you need to realise it is more than just a passing phase. If you’re feeling like this, the reality is that the symptoms won't disappear by avoiding or ignoring them, wishful thinking, or simply hoping they will go away (heck – just look at the stats within the profession!). If you don't seek help for these things, there's a very high chance they will continue to build up and get worse - and unfortunately, like many of your colleagues, this could lead you down the path to contemplating, attempting, and even completing suicide.

Think about it - what is your inaction costing you? How well is suffering in silence and avoiding the problem working for you? What is holding you back from reaching out for support? Fear? Shame? Embarrassment? Ego? Really? Oh please! I’ve heard it all before and have seen what these unhelpful thoughts do to people, and how it literally can ruin their lives. Stop buying into the thoughts that are controlling you and doing the rounds in your head! Stop worrying about everyone else’s opinion, and stop thinking you are weak or incompetent if you reach out for support! You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to deal with this alone. You don’t want to be the next statistic.

When you take proactive steps to do something positive about your mental health and wellbeing - and you are motivated to achieving it - you have the highest likelihood of success. Instead of dreading what the day will bring, wouldn't you rather have the control to effectively cope with whatever the day ahead brings? Imagine being able to confidently and assertively handle those difficult clients, as well as having those awful conversations about money with them. How will it feel when you are no longer consumed by their unrealistic expectations – and even the expectations you place on yourself? How great will it be to actually look forward to each day, and feel a wonderful sense of wellbeing and contentment by being able to control how you respond to those niggling and unhelpful thoughts and feelings! How great will it be live life and really enjoy it!

Sound unachievable? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but it’s not (and I have proof!). The fact is, it is very achievable, and my workshop will provide you with the resources you need to get your wellbeing back on track. And guess what – these strategies were tested and retested with two groups of veterinarians via my own doctoral research, and proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression! So, how about you drop the excuses (yep – I’ve heard them all before and no-one has ever convinced me that their excuses were valid), and do something great for yourself. After all, what is it costing you by NOT doing anything? We will do this together, and I’ll be here to support you along the way. Go on – you owe it to yourself to put yourself first and take care of YOU. Register now for my workshop, and take the first steps to your wellbeing – aren’t YOU worth it?

About Dr Nadine Hamilton

As a leading authority on veterinary wellbeing, Dr Hamilton helps veterinary professionals get on top of stress and conflict to avoid burnout and suicide, and also works with practice managers and owners to increase wellbeing, productivity, and retention in the workplace. Additionally, she provide workshops to small and large groups within the private and corporate sectors, and speaks at conferences and symposiums both nationally and internationally.

Her book "Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian - An Evidence-Based Solution to Increase Wellbeing" was released in March 2019 through Australian Academic Press, and is already making a positive impact within the profession - both here in Australia and internationally.

As an advocate for the veterinary profession, Dr Hamilton founded the charity "Love Your Pet Love Your Vet" and partnered with Royal Canin to reduce stigma in veterinary professionals seeking help, raising awareness within the community about the realities of working in the profession, and providing psychological and educational support to veterinary professionals.