In this month's episode, we talk to Dr Matthew Muir on how to improve mental health in vets by exploring and practicing integrative veterinary medicine.

Topics discussed include:

• The impacts of emotional stress and discussing cost of care.
• High expectations and financial strains as a veterinarian.
• How can vets achieve an emotionally sustainable career?
• Dr Muir defines stress and the different types affecting veterinarians.
• The importance of coping strategies in the veterinary industry.
• Do we need to change ways to deliver veterinary medicine?
• How practicing integrative medicine has helped Dr Matthew Muir.
• The impact of preventative integrative medicine.
• Do the same strains that apply to conventional vet practices apply to integrative practices?
• Dr Matthew suggests how GP vets can utilise the integrative medicine philosophy in a time restrictive GP practice.
• Dr Muir's shares his personal experience on managing stress and burnout throughout his career.

Mental Health Toolkit for Veterinarians

If this podcast has caused you distress, please reach out to Lifeline at 13 11 14 for support.

1. Mental Health Resources:

• Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) - THRIVE
  • Description: Offers resources, counselling, peer support, and educational programs tailored for veterinarians, focusing on mental health and well-being.
  • Website: https://www.ava.com.au/Thrive/
• Lifeline Australia
  • Description: Provides 24/7 crisis support and connects veterinarians with relevant mental health services.
  • Website: https://www.lifeline.org.au/
• Beyond Blue - Mental Health Support for Veterinarians
  • Description: Offers stress management strategies, support networks, and resources.
  • Website: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
• Heads Up - Mental Health in the Workplace
  • Description: An initiative to promote mentally healthy workplaces, offering resources for building resilience and reducing burnout.
  • Website: https://www.headsup.org.au/

2. Literature and Educational Resources:

• Coping with Stress and Burnout as a Veterinarian by Nadine Hamilton
  • Description: A comprehensive guide addressing the unique stressors in the veterinary profession and providing strategies for coping.
  • Purchase Link: https://www.booktopia.com.au/coping-with-stress-and-burnout-as-a-veterinarian-nadine-hamilton/book/9781925644197.html
• Australian Veterinary Association - Mental Health Approach Literature Review & Desktop Analysis
  • Description: A detailed report on the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians and the existing support structures.
  • Access Link: https://www.ava.com.au/siteassets/thrive/ava---literature-review--desktop-analysis-final_oct22.pdf
• NCBI Article on Veterinary Mental Health
  • Description: A research article discussing mental health issues within the veterinary profession and potential solutions.
  • Access Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10351608/pdf/fvets-10-1184525.pdf

3. Support Networks:

• Mentor Groups - The Vet Mind Mentor
  • Description: Peer support and mentoring specifically for veterinarians, providing a safe space to share experiences and seek advice.
  • Website: https://www.instagram.com/thevet_mindmentor/
• Professional Associations:
  • Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Graduate Mentor Program
    • Description: Offers various support programs for new graduates.
    • Website: https://www.ava.com.au/about-us/programs-awards/graduate-mentoring-program/#:~:text=The%20AVA%20Graduate%20Mentoring%20Program,they%20transition%20into%20the%20profession.

4. Wellness and Relaxation Practices:

• Yoga Nidra / NSDR - Ayla Nova
  • Description: Guided relaxation sessions available on Spotify or YouTube, ideal for stress relief.
  • Website: https://www.youtube.com/aylanovanidra
• Michael Sealey Sleep Hypnosis
  • Description: Sleep hypnosis sessions to help veterinarians manage stress and improve sleep quality.
  • Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9GoqHypa-SDrGPMyeBkjKw

5. Podcasts and Audio Resources:

• Fx Medicine Podcast: Four Perspectives on Workplace Stress
  • Description: A podcast episode discussing workplace stress from multiple perspectives, offering insights and strategies relevant to veterinarians.
  • Listen on: Fx Medicine Podcast: https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/podcast/four-perspectives-burnout-beyond-workplace-stress

6. Emergency Support:

• Triple 000
  • Description: Emergency contact number for immediate crisis intervention.

7. Mental Health Care Plans:

• GP-Mental Health Care Plans
  • Description: Veterinarians can access tailored mental health care plans through their GP, offering ongoing support and management strategies.

8. College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (CIVT) for short integrative medicine courses:

• Home | College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies (civtedu.org)