Vet students and depression

A friend told me a story recently whilst waiting in line for her viva examination. The topic of nerves came up, to which one student mentioned she was on Beta blockers, the 6 others soon announced that they too were using them.

It’s my opinion that what might be our greatest virtue, an affinity for animals, can lead us to deal with personal issues in a different way to many others. Whilst a horse might have a bigger shoulder to lean on, the issues at hand are soothed but not necessarily dealt with. That isn’t to say we are introverted by any means but the fact that this is our career choice must reveal something about us.

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VBF publishes video of a vet speaking on depression within the veterinary profession

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund (VBF) has released a video of a vet speaking of their experiences with depression and mental health while in practice.

The VBF is hoping to promote donations and raise awareness of the prevalence of issues vets face but are often afraid to talk about.

Reproduction Week

It’s Reproduction week at the Royal Veterinary College and students are appearing in uni left, right and centre. The 9am lecture ‘Testis, Erection and Ejaculation’ drew the largest crowd to the lecture hall I’ve observed all year. 9am and busy? It’s what most lecturers can only dream of.

You may think vet students are keen, eager and academic but throw an early start into the mix and 50% attendance is optimistic. So what is it about the Repro module that makes vets tick?

I can tell you right now. It’s down-right, simple, puerile humour.

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Veterinary students are more likely to develop depression than human doctors, a study from Kansas State University has revealed.

Within their first year, 32% of veterinary students displayed symptoms of depression as compared to only 23% in human medicine. Pressure, difficult cases, an expectation to know too much and the spectre of euthanasia are all factors in an increasing rate of depression that is, unfortunately, largely ignored in the profession at large.

Depression and addiction are factors not spoken of in the veterinary profession, despite an increasing number of vets seeking help when it’s too late. We will be covering this issue across the veterinary profession in more detail in the future.

If you’re feeling down or just want to get something off your chest, visit Vetlife or ring 07659 811118 to speak, in complete confidence, to someone who wants to help.

For full details on this study from Science Daily please click here.