The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has called on both major parties
ahead of the federal election to commit $3 million over five years towards
veterinary mental health.

Recent research into veterinary mental health showed that 66.6 per cent of
respondents said they either have experienced or currently are experiencing a
mental health condition, five per cent higher than the national average.

Dr Warwick Vale, President of the AVA, said while the veterinary profession is
extremely rewarding, vets are often so busy looking after the community’s
animals that they often don’t have time to look after themselves.

“This research backs up what veterinarians already know – our profession is
not in good health and in order for us to serve the community we need a
healthy thriving profession.

“I’ve been to too many funerals of colleagues, I’ve seen too many colleagues
drop out of the profession, and I’ve seen too many colleagues break under the
strain.”

The independent research commissioned by the AVA also showed that 41.6 per
cent of surveyed vetenarians said they had experienced a mental health
condition in the past 12 months.

The $3 million investment in veterinary mental health would support key
elements including a public campaign to educate the community, whole of career
mentoring, dedicated veterinary counselling services, and the development and
delivery of veterinary specific education material.

“The AVA is investing in solving this crisis, but we can’t do it on our own –
we need the next Federal Government to stand shoulder to shoulder with us and
lend a supporting hand to our country’s veterinarians.”

Tagged: ava, mental health

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