Vets in Mind app provides resources and guidance for the whole profession
A new app has been launched to support the mental health and welfare of people working in the veterinary profession.
The Vets in Mind App – launched by not-for-profit the Vets in Mind Alliance – provides general information on a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and burn out.
It also offers advice on steps that a person can take to help themselves, a colleague or friends and family, including providing help line contact numbers for a number of countries.
Vets in Mind Alliance founder Dr Mark Johnston said: “Having experienced burn-out myself when working in at Rossdales in Newmarket and having also experienced the loss of my father who took his own life when I was 10 years old, I have long wanted to help members of our profession with something tangible and really supportive.
“Developing an app that anyone can have in the palm of their hand, wherever they are, I believe will be more than just helpful; it will be live-saving.”
The app is designed as a tool to help reduce the stigma of mental illness and provide support to all members of the veterinary profession who may be struggling.
The launch edition of the app contains:
- more than 500 mental health resources including likes to Mind's A-Z of mental health conditions
- videos and written stories detailing a variety of people's mental health experiences
- help lines and contact points for more than 50 countries
- a news section that is regularly updating with new research and initiatives
- stress relief and relaxation tools
- books and podcasts
- links to other apps, blogs and organisations that may be of help.
The app is available for free on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It does not register user details to ensure anonymity.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
