About the Book
The best way to tackle the unique nature of veterinary stress that can lead to anxiety, depression and suicide is to use evidence-based research to create an intervention able to have a scientifically measurable positive impact on wellbeing. That's why psychologist Dr Nadine Hamilton wrote this book after spending over 15 years researching, working with thousands of stressed vets, and consulting with industry associations, practice managers and owners. This unique resource combines reading on mindfulness, positive psychology, wellbeing, and resiliency training with a 'toolkit' of practical tasks and tips to teach people how to cope with everyday pressures, so they no longer feel suicide is the only way out. Its approach has been tested with statistically significant results showing reduced stress, depression, and anxiety. Being a veterinarian can be a rewarding career requiring a passion for animals, excellent interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic. It can also be stressful. So stressful, that the suicide rate for veterinarians is almost four times higher than the general population across the UK, Australia, US, New Zealand and Canada. The effects of working long hours, performing euthanasia on animals, emotional pressure, financial issues, unrealistic expectations, and dealing with distressed clients place considerable stress on both the vet themselves and their families at home. Failure to cope with such stress upsets mental wellbeing and can lead to serious emotional, physical, and behavioural issues, including self-harm. Nadine Hamilton's postgraduate research focussed on how key evidence-based psychological strategies could be used to decrease the risk of psychological ill-health and suicide by vets due to their day-to-day stress levels. What she found was that the best way to tackle the unique nature of veterinary stress was to combine certain psychoeducational elements. That meant specific education on the principles of positive psychology, mindfulness, and ACT along with a 'toolkit' of practical tasks from these fields. Combining these elements with supportive strategies such as stress management and communication tips results in a holistic intervention able to have a scientifically measurable positive impact on wellbeing. Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian is a cost-effective highly accessible way to empower vets in their everyday work lives to use psychological knowledge and skills to combat stress, burnout, anxiety, depression and suicide. It is an easy read for individual vets both experienced and freshly minted and sits well with existing veterinary HR approaches as well as supporting face-to-face counselling and industry association mental health programs. It also provides a clear call-to-arms for veterinary industry leaders. The book is structured in four sections. The first two provide vets with both an understanding and an acknowledgement of the uniqueness of their work and the mental health issues that come with that. A section on psychology provides a comprehensive overview of several psychological fields that assist wellbeing. The final section includes specially selected strategies for everyday use. Together, these elements result in a unique resource able to provide self-help as well as support for existing vet wellbeing programs. Research has shown the importance of reinforcing the immediate-term effects of mental health interventions with take-home resources -- something that reminds people of the information they have learnt and is able to be referred back to in difficult times. That's why this book is so well received by vet hospitals and clinics worldwide -- for some who take it off a practice shelf the book will simply be a confirmation that they or a colleague are not alone in experiencing stress and that their issues are understood, for others they will find practical tools helpful in their working day, for leaders it might help guide their interactions with staff, or it might help someone to seek professional help.
About the Author :
Psychologist Dr Nadine Hamilton has spent the last ten years researching why the mental wellbeing of vets has become so compromised and what can be done about it. In her own private practice, she has helped many vets develop better coping strategies to get on top of stress and psychological fatigue to avoid burnout and suicide. She also works with veterinary practice managers and owners to increase wellbeing, productivity, and retention in the workplace. She is also the proud founder of Love Your Pet Love Your Vet, a not-for-profit charity raising awareness about the issues within the veterinary industry and reducing stigma in veterinary professionals seeking help.
Review :
The suicide rate among veterinarians is a concern for the WVA and we use Nadine's book as a reference while working on the issue of stress in the profession." Dr. Zeev Noga, Deputy Executive Director, World Veterinary Association Nadine's book greatly helps VetPartners meet its vital HR commitment to the wellbeing of all of our staff and our goal as a veterinary employer of choice." Dr. Brett Hodgkin, Chief Veterinary Officer, VetPartners Highly recommended, a very easy and enjoyable read, this book should be readily available in clinics for all staff. Many of the stressors will be experienced by anyone working in a clinic, and our veterinary nurses and receptionists often bear the brunt of grief and unrealistic client expectations." Dr Jenny Weston, Massey University Dean of Veterinary Sciences "Finally a practical self-help book aimed specifically at the veterinary profession. Easy to read and with lots of practical advice and the tools to traverse the corrugated road of professional life." - Dr Brian Mc Erlean, Trustee, AVA Benevolent Fund and Veterinary Suicide Prevention Advocate It is almost an unspoken rule or even a general acceptance that stress and burnout are just a fact of life if you are a veterinarian. It doesn't have to be that way. I believe this book will make a difference, help veterinarians have successful and fulfilling careers and also most importantly save lives of our dear colleagues. Dr. Gerardo Poli, Hospital Director, Animal Emergency Service "Provides valuable insight into a sadly under-appreciated issue within our profession. I'd recommend it wholeheartedly for all veterinarians and those that care for them." - Dr Scott Campbell, Partner, Ipswich Vet Group "Thank you Nadine, for recognising and building awareness around such an important issue. I highly recommend this book, it may just save a life one day." - Dr Andy Pieris, Owner, Casuarina Seaside Vet "As a clinical psychotherapist with over 30 years working with high performer medical professionals, I can say that Dr Nadine Hamilton has a deep understanding of the stresses, conflicts, and unique challenges facing veterinarians today. I highly recommend this book to veterinarians and to the educators and mental health professionals who work with them." - Dr. Fern Kazlow, Clinical Psychotherapist, New York, Founder of The No Doubt Zone
