Tag: compassion fatigue

  • A HELPING PAW FOR BIG-HEARTED VETS

    A HELPING PAW FOR BIG-HEARTED VETS

     

    Addressing Compassion Fatigue in the Veterinary Industry

    Veterinarians are driven by their love for animals and a desire to alleviate suffering. But for all their dedication, there’s an emotional cost that comes with being on the front lines of animal care every day.

     

    What is compassion fatigue?

    The chronic stress of caring for others can result in emotional and physical exhaustion. While burnout is related to job-related stress such as poor management or overwhelming workloads, compassion fatigue stems from repeated exposure to trauma and distress.

     

    The risk factors

    Veterinarians are uniquely vulnerable to compassion fatigue due to the nature of their work, which includes the following risks:

    • Having to make difficult decisions about an animal’s care, including whether to euthanise or provide treatment, can cause emotional strain.
    • Being regularly exposed to suffering, whether it’s the loss of a beloved pet or the aftermath of animal cruelty.
    • Long hours and the pressure of constant care can leave vets with little time to recharge and focus on their own well-being.

     

    The symptoms

    Compassion fatigue manifests in several ways, and for veterinarians, it can impact both their personal and professional lives. Some symptoms include:

    • Feeling disconnected from others, even in social or professional settings.
    • Losing interest in activities that once brought joy and fulfilment.
    • Suppressing emotions, which can lead to memory issues and anxiety.
    • Difficulty sleeping, which can have further negative effects on mental and physical health.

     

    Supporting our heroes

    We’ve always had a deep appreciation for the incredible work that veterinarians do. That’s why we’re launching a dedicated hotline for veterinarians experiencing compassion fatigue. This resource will connect vets with professional counselling services, offering them a safe space to talk through their experiences, emotions, and challenges.

    Veterinarians give so much of themselves to care for animals, and now it’s time to care for them. We’re committed to standing by their side, offering support when they need it most.

  • COMPASSION FATIGUE: A VET’S PERSPECTIVE

    COMPASSION FATIGUE: A VET’S PERSPECTIVE

     

    Dr Saadiya Mangera is a small animal vet at (and owner of) Brighton Beach Veterinary Clinic in Durban. Admitting business isn’t her forte, Saadiya’s true passion is working with beloved pets.

     

    Understanding Compassion Fatigue

    For those who may not know, what is compassion fatigue?

    “It’s a combination of physical and psychological exhaustion that can result from caring for others and feeling empathy for their pain. Veterinary Science is unique in that we care for our patients, but we also have to consider the emotions of the pet parents.”

     

    What are the main signs of compassion fatigue?

    “It can be seen in physical and emotional effects, which includes feeling overwhelmed, helpless, detached, or exhausted.”

     

    How does compassion fatigue affect a vet’s own well-being while caring for their patients?

    “The close relationships we have with our patients are unique in that we often care for our patients from 6 weeks of age. We nurse and heal them during their lifespan, and we’re then required to help them on their final journey. It can be emotionally draining. Unfortunately, many vets have insufficient resources to cope.”

     

    Have you ever experienced compassion fatigue or seen a colleague go through it? How did you or they manage it?

    “Yes, I have. I’ve been a vet for over 24 years. I love my job and can’t see myself doing anything else, but it’s exhausting to deal with so many emotions. We try to keep our work environment as fun-filled and relaxed as possible. Every staff member is so supportive of each other. They’re quick to give me a hug if I’m having an emotionally draining day!”

     

    Do you recommend any resources, tools, or coping strategies to vets experiencing compassion fatigue?

    “Have a really, really, good support network! Check out NOMV – it’s a website that was started due to the high suicide rates in our profession.”

     

    What can pet parents do to support their vet teams better?

    “We all became vets because of our love for animals, but we also have to make a living from our jobs. Just be kind!”

     

    Learn More About Our Vet of the Month

    Dr Saadiya owns Brighton Beach Veterinary Clinic in Durban, where she’s been caring for pets since 2010. With over 20 years of experience, including nine years in the UK, she’s passionate about educating pet parents and promoting vaccination, especially against rabies. A proud wife and mom of three, she credits her family and faith for supporting her journey as a veterinarian and animal advocate.

     

    What inspired you to become a vet, and what do you love most about the profession?

    “I became a vet due to my love for all things feline. This started when I was a young girl and came across a litter of unwanted kittens. At the time, I wasn’t allowed to take all of them home, but I made up for it by always having cats as pets. I love dogs as well and have a special interest in canine behaviour. At Brighton Beach Vet Clinic, we try very hard to practice fear-free veterinary care. All of our patients are treated with special attention to ensure a calm experience.”

     

    Do you have any pets at home? 

    “I have 4 cats. They’re all female and their names are Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Sugar, and Pepper. Nutmeg and Cinnamon are siblings and come from Zululand. They both have heart problems but are very healthy and happy. Sugar has Feline Leukaemia, and I took her in knowing that she has this disease. She’s generally healthy, albeit a bit overweight. Pepper was abandoned as a 7-week-old kitten, but we’ve nurtured her and she’s about a year old now.”

     

    Any final words of advice for vets or pet parents about the importance of mental health?

    “Veterinarians have the highest rate of suicide in the medical field. As a result, there is a growing trend that vets, once qualified, are leaving the profession to pursue careers where there is no public interface; or leaving South Africa to pursue the profession where we’re appreciated more. There is a growing belief that vets are expensive and overpriced, which isn’t true. We’re doing what we’ve been trained to do. We’re both doctors and surgeons. We also play the role of dentist, ophthalmologist, dietician, and even behaviourist/psychologist. Please be kind and compassionate.”