College Connection Spring 2024 | Page 4

College Connection | Spring 2024

Impact of stigma , uncertainty , and fear on well-being

Over the last several years , the profession has focused on the importance of well-being and mental health among veterinary teams . It is encouraging to see this positive momentum as we continue to talk about it , research it , and find ways to support ourselves and each other .

Looking back on my years in clinical practice , I sometimes felt alone when I experienced burnout , moral distress , discrimination , or doubt . However , research shows my experiences are shared by many of my colleagues . Unfortunately , stigma often prevents us from seeking support for our mental health and well-being .

Research in veterinary medicine has identified that veterinarians have poor mental health compared to the general population . Work-related factors tend to be the predominant stressors impacting mental health . Among the principal stressors are unrealistic client expectations , the possibility of client complaints , and making professional mistakes . 1 , 2 , 3 , 4

Stigma , client complaints , fear of mistakes – let ’ s examine these and reflect on actions we can take towards our individual and collective well-being .

Stigma

Reflecting on our own experiences reminds us to reflect on those of our colleagues . We can consider what makes it easier or harder to navigate a journey in veterinary medicine . Systemic biases may impact the diverse groups within our profession in different ways . We can examine our unconscious biases and seek opportunities to learn and unlearn .

People living with mental health conditions often face stigma and discrimination which poses a barrier to accessing support . The Canadian Mental Health Association offers the STOP criteria to recognize attitudes

• Dr . Kim Lambert Associate Registrar Quality Practice

and actions that support stigma : stereotypes , trivializes , offends , and patronizes . Using non-stigmatizing language is one action we can take to stop stigma and discrimination . 6

Client complaints

Resolving client concerns is a priority in every practice . Without a known approach to resolving client complaints , the uncertainty can lead to heightened emotions , including fear and worry .

If you and your team have identified your approach to resolving client concerns , this can help reduce that worry . Clients can be informed of the process which reassures them their concerns will be heard and considered . While concerns may not be resolved to everyone ’ s satisfaction , a client complaint process ensures concerns are heard , considered , and addressed fairly .

It can be helpful to view client concerns as feedback , rather than criticism . Being open to feedback is key . Even if you don ’ t have a solution right away , thank them for the feedback and consider how you may do things differently in future .

Mistakes happen

It is okay to take some time , talk to your team , and analyze the concern to see if there is an opportunity for learning . Creating safer spaces to talk about and learn from mistakes supports team well-being and a culture of safety . And where human error occurred , seek an educative approach , rather than a punitive one .

It is also worthwhile to analyze the system the team works in and determine what makes it harder or easier for an error to occur . Systems can be improved where needed .

Finally , applying communication skills such as active listening , open-ended questions , and empathy are key in building trust , which makes conflict less intimidating and more likely to be resolved . Equipping you and your team with these skills can reduce the fear and worry associated with resolving client concerns .

Summary

As a profession , we must remain attentive to our well-being and mental health , and that of our teams . By being attentive to unconscious biases , how we handle client concerns and learning from our mistakes , we can each support our collective well-being .

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