Hidden Mental Health Problems South African Psychiatrists Need to Address

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The long hours, emotional swings, and demands of this job push many South African veterinarians to the brink of burnout.

This is a mental health crisis that many of our medical doctors have faced in the past.

This issue was the topic of discussion at the recent 39th annual World Veterinary Conference in Cape Town, where experts urged vets to prioritize their health and seek help when needed, The South African reports.

Doctors in South Africa face many challenges. In addition to the incredible amount of mental effort required to keep our furry friends healthy, stress and physical demands all add to the burden and can lead to stress. mental strength.

Quixi Sonntag, a lecturer in the Department of Veterinary Studies at the University of Pretoria, reveals the daily reality of our local doctors.

“Their work requires special knowledge and skills, which require mental effort every day. In addition, the work can be physically demanding and even dangerous at times when dealing with aggressive animals,” he explains.

Sonntag highlights the cumulative effects of long hours, the emotional burden of treating animals, and the burden of administrative tasks, all of which contribute to potential burnout.

“This constant stress can lead to burnout — a state of emotional exhaustion that can impair a veterinarian’s ability to care for animals effectively,” he says.

The fact that no one in the veterinary profession really talks about their mental health also adds weight to it all, according to Sonntag, who says the workplace can become a place of silence when it comes to in terms of mental health.

“Veterinarians usually avoid admitting that they have a mental problem. Stigma plays a part, as well as a strong sense of independence — a sense of ‘I can handle this, I don’t need help,’ ” she explains.

Rudél Zowitsky, a veterinarian, adds that the general morale among many veterinarians is very low, which affects their professional and personal abilities.

He says: “The anger and frustration caused by the moral dilemma of veterinarians is visible in all aspects of this profession.

To lighten the burden, Sonntag advocates an open, non-judgmental discussion of mental health, and promotes support services in South Africa’s veterinary profession.

However, the prevailing culture of stoicism prevents South African GPs from seeking the support they need, which can lead to serious mental health problems.

Although the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) offers a suicide prevention hotline, Zowitsky admits that “many veterinarians may not know anything about this service.”

Zowitsky acknowledges that vets are struggling all over the world, so relying on the other side of the pond won’t bring relief.

“These problems – lack of doctors and mental health problems – affect doctors all over the world. Unfortunately, due to economic and political conditions, many doctors are leaving South Africa, but the pressures of veterinary work continues, even where they are looking for greener pastures.”

He thinks that the more people know about these issues, the better it will be, saying “The public is still ignorant of the mental health issues in veterinary science.”

Zowitsky suggests educating the public about the emotional and financial reality of veterinary care to develop empathy and understanding.

Fostering open dialogue and creating a supportive environment is critical to addressing the mental health challenges South African veterinarians face, and ultimately benefits the animals and their caregivers.

[source:southafrican]