How to curate a better mental health strategy
In observance of September being National Suicide Prevention Month, Dr Carolyn Shadle shared an effective mental health resource veterinary professionals can utilize.
Editor's note: This article includes a discussion of suicide, depression, and mental health issues. If you are experiencing feelings of depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK; 800-273-8255; suicidepreventionlifeline.org). It's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter what problems you are dealing with, people on the other end of the line will help you find a reason to keep living.
Prioritizing mental health in veterinary medicine is integral to improving the well-being of yourself and your colleagues. However, it is something many industry professionals often struggle with. In a recent interview with dvm360®, Carolyn Shadle, PhD, MS, shared an impactful mental health resource known as the QPR Institute—a platform dedicated to saving lives and reducing suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training—and offered up invaluable advice to professionals experiencing a mental health crisis.
"Don' let people in your workplace who seem to be in trouble suffer alone. Make sure they know you [understand] they are hurting and that you have some help to offer them," Shadle told dvm360® staff.
"Maybe even take them to help if they do not want to go someplace [by] themselves," she continued.
Watch the full interview below for more guidance on addressing mental health concerns in and out of the workplace.
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