Mental health awareness CPD for the whole team

17 August 2017

Mental ill health will affect one in four people over the next 12 months.  You may know that there are particular issues within the veterinary team, with higher than average rates of suicide, and patterns of distress, anxiety and depression, among other illnesses.

Could you spot the early warning signs of distress, anxiety or depression in your colleagues? Would you feel able to talk to someone experiencing these symptoms? Do you understand the legal issues around managing someone with mental ill health?  If not, then you may benefit from attending one of our Mind Matters Mental Health Awareness CPD day courses, which are FREE for BSAVA members and just £40 for non-members.

After a sell-out year of 12 regional Mind Matters CPD evening courses in 2016 and nine so far in 2017, we have three left taking place in Glasgow, Omagh and London.

Feedback from the sessions has been fantastic. Below is a review from a recent course held in Wetherby.

“Course leader Trevor Bell guided 22 delegates through some very difficult, sensitive but serious topics.  His unique brand of gentle, respectful, humour , warmth, and obvious dedication to mental health awareness and recovery put everyone at ease.  Trevor drove home really important points we all need to be aware of all the time. 

I had not realised before how we sometimes forget about the value of listening and therefore develop poor listening habits – which in this profession is a crucial skill, especially when supporting co-workers, friends and employees. For example; we, as vets, are trained to listen critically, with the aim of analysing, diagnosing then fixing a problem. Cleary this is an essential skill for saving the life of a bitch with a pyo or ameliorating hyperthyroidism in a cat. However this technique can easily shut down communication with someone who is struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and could present a barrier to them being comfortable enough to engage in the first place. Early support and having the faith in someone to open up to them is crucial in helping someone get on the path to recovery. 

I would encourage everyone in every part of the profession to take part in such a workshop. Bring your spouses, or anyone who forms part of your support structure along too. They probably have more insight into what is happening to you than you do yourself”.

This workshop is open to all members of the veterinary team, plus any family members who may be concerned or affected by mental health issues in the veterinary profession. Book onto a local session below
Northern Ireland region – 7th November 2017 in Omagh – book now

Metropolitan region – 29th November 2017 at the RCVS in London – book now