Mental Health Support for Ukrainian Veterinary Professionals
About:
We know all know that the veterinary profession can be stressful and many of our colleagues are experiencing mental health challenges. For our Ukrainian colleagues, this situation has been significantly compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Many of them have been directly affected by the armed conflict and human rights violations, experienced forced displacement and/or loss of their livelihood, disruption of the local community, and separation from their friends and family.
This is why we have come together to work on this project with the aim to provide essential mental health support for the Ukrainian veterinary community.
What is the purpose of the project?
To provide psychological support for the Ukrainian veterinary community by mental health professionals, both within Ukraine and those that are displaced.
Who is working on this project?
This project is an international collaboration with many friends and colleagues, including Natalia Ignatenko (who had the original idea), the team of the Galaxy Vet Foundation (who are helping with hosting of the donation campaign and provision of other online resources) and Petra Agthe (involved in overall organization and fundraising), who are being supported by different mental health professionals, as well as a number of veterinary colleagues from different countries (helping with different aspects of this initiative, including translation, content and fundraising).
How will the project work?
For Ukrainian veterinary professionals, the support will initially include psychologist lead psychoeducation/stress-management group courses and webinars, along with individual one-to-one support as needed. The funds for this will be raised by donations, either by direct payments or donations made in exchange for professional coaching, mentoring and mindfulness sessions offered by Petra, as well as donations in support of the Vet Mind Works podcast.
If you are interested in the Vet Mind Works podcast, you can listen here: https://vetmindworks.buzzsprout.com
If you would like to discuss coaching/mentoring, training, or speaking for donations with Petra, please contact her through her website or LinkedIn.
What will the funds be used for?
Primarily to pay for licensed mental health professionals to prepare and provide group courses, and for one on one sessions for individuals in need, who have no access to psychological support through other means.