Managing Mental Health with Katie Hill

Mental health is a very hot topic these days, especially in the veterinary clinic world. So on the VHMA Manager to Manager Podcast, we’re talking about all things mental health: the concerns, the stressors, and more importantly the key components in how to help deal with overload.

Today’s guest is Katie Hill, hailing from Gainesville, Florida. Katie is a CVT, CVPM, and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional with four clinics in the Gainesville area. She has a variety of outside interests including yoga, walking, and other things that are totally different from her day job. In this episode, you’ll find out how important that separation is. A lot of times, we inundate ourselves with work, but Katie likes to take the time to learn new things outside of work and completely unrelated to the veterinary industry to grow as a person.

Let’s face it, this job is stressful. How can we better manage our own stress and as leaders, how can we help our team stay balanced? Katie has several helpful tips on how to manage this very important topic.

[2:36] - Katie describes the stigma of mental health as compared with physical health.

[3:51] - Compassion fatigue is a very real problem for many in this industry.

[4:48] - Restoring balance and managing particularly upsetting days can be challenging. Katie shares some tips on bringing some positivity, joy, and community to the team.

[6:45] - Checking in with your team and monitoring your own mental well-being is important.

[8:10] - Don’t be afraid to ask how someone is. Some days are really hard.

[9:06] - Katie describes a tool she uses to get a better idea of where balance is lacking.

[12:08] - Social media and cyberbullying is a real problem that isn’t going away. How does Katie suggest handling a negative review?

[15:26] - Debbie discusses Suicide Prevention Month and the reality of the stressors and constant negativity on social media.

[16:36] - What are the signs of someone being at risk of suicide?

[18:43] - High volumes of controlled substances should not be available at all times.