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Wildfires in Western Canada

July 26, 2024

Wildfires are escalating in Western Canada and many communities are under evacuation orders or alerts. This is a stressful time for many who have so much to deal with, from problem solving to heightened feelings of anxiety, grief and loss. And the pressures are amplified for all of you as veterinarians and team members. The intense stress and worry that clients feel for their animals during wildfires translates into increased tension as you manage both the medical needs of the animals and the emotional strain of the clients. 

Accessing mental health support might be the last thing on your mind during this trying time. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the CVMA Wellness Committee care about you and want you to know you are not alone. Please see the suggestions below to help you now and in the post-stress times to safeguard and manage your mental health and care for yourself.

  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) led by a licensed mental health professional is available. This process helps team members process and cope with the traumatic incident, ask questions, and learn about supportive resources. Please contact Dr. Kathy Keil, CVMA Director Wellness and DEI (kkeil@cvma-acmv.org) for more information
  • Disasters affect individuals in many ways and all emotions are valid. The emotional effects may show up now or appear weeks to months later. It takes courage to ask for and accept help. Talking with a counselor can help. A list of provincial veterinary medical associations member programs is available on the CVMA website. For some, natural disasters can trigger trauma associated with past memories and in that case, asking for a counsellor who is trained in trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),and grief is helpful.
  • Talking with a veterinary peer can help. The CVMA offers Togetherall, an online 24/7/365 peer-to-peer platform and mental health support resource free for all Canadian veterinarians and student veterinarians with Western Financial Group sponsorship. It is anonymous, confidential, and inclusive with safe supervision by licensed mental health practitioners.
  • Keep an eye on the basics. Here are some things you might do: Eat regularly, drink water, and sleep when you can. Be kind to yourself. Give and accept support. Follow your daily routine if possible. All these things can give you a sense of control during tumultuous and uncertain times.
  • Prepare yourself, your family, animals, and veterinary workplace. Having an emergency plan and kit ready can ease your mind and help you focus on other needs.  

We care and appreciate you. Be brave and safe.

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