Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Mental Health in Animal Care: From Compassion Fatigue to Self-Care Strategies
In this episode of the Research Forward podcast, host David Mayo interviews Alison Hopkins, a qualified registered animal technologist, to discuss the often overlooked but crucial topic of mental health in animal care professionals. Alison shares her journey from working in accounting to becoming an animal technologist, highlighting the emotional demands and challenges of the profession, including compassion fatigue.
They delve into the lack of support and awareness surrounding mental health in the industry and the profound impact that caring for research animals can have on individuals. Alison offers insights into her personal experiences, the importance of self-care, and the tools she used, such as the Wheel of Life, to manage her well-being.
The conversation also covers the role of institutions in creating supportive work environments, the significance of mental health first aiders, and the need for open communication about emotional challenges. Alison emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing compassion fatigue to ensure the well-being of both animal care professionals and the animals they care for.
Listeners will gain valuable advice on managing emotional challenges in the field and the importance of fostering a compassionate and supportive workplace culture.