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Orchard Vet's Blog
World Mental Health Day 2024
04/10/2024
The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10 October every year.WMHD is recognised by the veterinary profession as veterinary surgeons in the UK are three to four times more likely than the general population to die by suicide (Platt et al., 2010). Being a vet can be exciting and rewarding. However, caring for animals can be challenging, too – mentally as well as physically.
The theme of this years World Mental Health Day is “it’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”. The theme highlights the importance of mental health and well-being in the workplace for the benefit of employees, communities and organisations!
Did you know pets can improve mental health?
Caring for a pet can help our mental health in many ways, including:
- Increasing your physical activity; Dog owners are likely to take their pets for a walk or run every day. This can be a fun way to fit exercise into your routine.
- Providing companionship; Pets can give you a sense of security and someone to share the day with. Caring for them can help you feel wanted and needed. This can be especially valuable for older people or those who live alone.
- Reducing anxiety; The companionship of a pet can help to ease your anxiety.
- Boosting self-confidence; Pets can be great listeners, offer unconditional love and won’t criticise you. This can help your self-confidence, especially if you feel isolated or misunderstood.
- Helping you meet new people; Dog owners often stop and chat with each other on walks. But other pets can be a way to meet people too: in pet shops, training classes or online groups, for example.
- Adding structure to your day; Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet can help you keep to a daily routine, which can help you feel more grounded and focused. It can give your day purpose and a sense of achievement.