Description
While a vast body of research has been dedicated to understanding problems and disorders of mental health, until recently, little was known about how individuals and societies thrive and flourish and how this new knowledge can be applied to foster happiness, mental health and fulfilment. Genetic differences account for around half of the variance in the level of mental wellbeing between individuals, and differences in life circumstances – health, income, personal and work environment etc – account for around ten percent of the variance. Intentional activities – the behavioural, cognitive and motivational choices we make – account for the remaining forty percent of the variance. This means that we should each accept some of personal responsibility for our mental wellbeing, recognising that that wellbeing is in part an active process, and not just determined by our makeup and our circumstances. So what can we do? There is robust scientific evidence to indicate several intentional activities can lead to sustained and significant enhancement of mental wellbeing. Making an effort to increase the extent to which they are part of our daily lives has potential to temper some of the challenges and pressures facing veterinary professionals.
DAVID BARTRAM graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London in 1988. After three years in mixed, mainly large animal practice, he moved into the pharmaceutical industry where he has worked, in both human and animal health sectors, for the past twenty years.
David was awarded the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon’s Diploma of Fellowship by Thesis and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Southampton for his research into the mental health and well-being of the UK veterinary profession. He has postgraduate qualifications in both marketing and finance and is a de facto diplomate of the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management. David is a director of the Veterinary Benevolent Fund with responsibility for the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme.