The Pets Factor star James Greenwood reveals that one in four vets take their own life because of mental health issues related to their work
CBBC vet James Greenwood has opened up about how hard it is for vets to treat poorly pups and pusses, especially during these strange times of Covid-19.
In a post on Instagram to mark World Vetenary Day, he explained that many vets deal with mental health issues that could lead to some taking their own lives:
“It is rarely reported in the media but for Veterinary teams the Covid-19 lockdown has proved immensely challenging,” he wrote. “Our struggle to keep working, providing essential care for our nation’s pets whilst fulfilling our duty to ensure veterinary teams are safe has posed a unique set of challenges. Our job is already an emotional one, but working on the frontline has exaggerated this even further.”
“On average, vets are FOUR TIMES more likely to die by suicide than the average population,” he wrote. “I have lost colleagues and friends to suicide in my 12 years as a vet. In these challenging times – especially on #worldveterinaryday – I want all vets and vet nurses to know they are appreciated, get the recognition they deserve and to see that they are not alone.”
The handsome fella continued: “We are in the fight of our lives against COVID19. While our frontline workers battle to save lives every day, the rest of us stay home to stop the spread. For many, lockdown is threatening our well-being. As we worry about our physical health, we all face a real threat to our mental health. A mental health epidemic is exploding alongside the outbreak as people are waiting too long to reach out for help.
“Some of us have lost loved ones, some of us have lost jobs, income, routine and purpose. For some, isolation is proving too hard and we’re struggling to speak up.
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, and claims the lives of 126 men, women and young people each week. This is only rising under the pressure of COVID-19.
James says that the best thing for anyone who is feeling low during this time is to let people around them know. “Self-isolation isn’t the only way we can save lives from our homes,” he said. “We can talk. We can help someone reach out. We can help them save their lives.”
Meanwhile, James recently helped fundraise for Mermaids to help support LGBTQ+ and gender diverse kids and their families as part of the #twopointsixchallenge.
. MANOR’s @strongnotsilent campaign has partnered with suicide prevention charity @calmzone to raise awareness and funds to help those who are struggling. Visit @strongnotsilent and hit link in bio to get involved. . If you’re struggling, call CALM, 365 days a year 5pm to midnight, on 0800 58 58 58 or webchat through www.thecalmzone.net #snscovid19#strongno
