Joining Anthony for this episode of VETchat by The Webinar Vet is Carolina Avilés Fernández, Forensic Psychologist, Veterinarian´s Mental Health Advocate, and Executive Director of Adfinitas Corporation. Adfinitas Corporation is a nonprofit organization born with the interest of building environments in which we are aware and responsible for our connections, whether they are among different species or the environment that surrounds us. They work to generate a psychosocial support ecosystem for veterinarians and veterinary clinics to promote a culture of mental health care, prevent risks in critical situations, build networks, and strengthen the veterinary community.

In this episode, Anthony and Carolina discuss mental health in the veterinary profession. Carolina shares her experience and career to date, along with what led her to work so closely with the veterinary profession. She shares the reasons behind the setting up of Adfinitas Corporación and what they do. They discuss the mental health situation in Chile, especially within the veterinary profession, and how the accelerated growth of pet ownership is causing stress and overworking of veterinary professionals. Hard topics such as animal abuse and non-accidental injury are also covered. Finally, Carolina shares why self-care strategies are good, but emphasises the importance of learning how to take care of your team and be there to support each other.

Connect with Carolina on LinkedIn here