Pawsitive mindset: A guide to veterinary mental resilience
Course purpose:
This course aims to equip veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to foster mental resilience and promote overall mental well-being. Participants will gain an understanding of mental resilience, including its key components and characteristics. The course will delve into the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout and offer practical strategies to manage and prevent these challenges. Participants will explore techniques such as mindfulness, journaling, and exercise to enhance mental well-being.
Furthermore, the course will highlight the significance of recognizing early warning signs of mental illness in oneself and colleagues, and developing action plans for seeking help and supporting others in need. Participants will reflect on their personal growth and development in mental resilience and create ongoing self-improvement and resilience-building plans. This holistic approach aims to foster a supportive and sustainable work environment for veterinary professionals, ultimately enhancing their professional and personal lives.
CPD point allocation: 18 points (AC/1924/24)
Course format: Fully online (18 hours)
Course completion self-paced but must be completed within 8 week course period (Theory and practical
components via written assessments)
Course dates: Open from: 7 September 2025 - 1 November 2025
Course facilitator: Dr Marguerite Aitchison
Cost: R 4500.00 excl. VAT (Not registered for VAT)
Course topics
Introduction to mental resilience
Key components
Critical role of mental resilience
Challenges to mental resilience
The impact of our thoughts on our lives and the factors that shape our thoughts
The impact of our thoughts
What influences our thoughts?
How do our thoughts influence us?
Self-awareness and Emotional intelligence (3 hours, 15 minutes)
What is self-awareness?
Negativity and Automatic Negative Thoughts
How to take control of our negative thoughts
Self-awareness and stress (4 hours, 10 minutes)
Common symptoms of stress and burnout
Identifying personal stressors and triggers
Self-monitoring techniques
Strategies for immediate stress relief
Long-term stress management techniques
The science of positivity (4 hours)
The psychology of positive thinking
Neuroplasticity and how positivity affects brain function
Benefits of positive thinking in veterinary practice
How to maintain positivity
Sleep hygiene
Discussing mental health (1 hour)
Early signs of mental illness
Talking about your mental health
Speaking to someone you are concerned about