The Impostor!
In this edition we discuss some helpful techniques to overcome the "Impostor Syndrome".
OVERCOMING THE IMPOSTOR SYNDROME IN THE VETERINARY PROFESSION
As a veterinarian, it's common to feel the pressure of imposter syndrome. In this psychological phenomenon, one doubts their accomplishments and fears being exposed as a fraud. It can be challenging to overcome these feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. Still, there are effective ways to manage them. This newsletter will explore how talk therapy, mindfulness therapy, self-compassion exercises, and support groups can help veterinarians overcome imposter syndrome.
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Talk Therapy
One of the most effective ways to manage imposter syndrome is through talk therapy. Working with a therapist can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss feelings of self-doubt and insecurity. In addition, therapy can help veterinarians identify the root causes of their imposter syndrome and develop strategies to manage these feelings.
When seeking talk therapy, it's essential to find a therapist specializing in imposter syndrome or who has experience working with veterinarians. The therapist should be a good fit for the individual, and they should feel comfortable discussing their emotions with them. It's important to note that it may take time to find the right therapist, but it's worth the effort.
In talk therapy, the therapist will use various techniques to help the veterinarian manage imposter syndrome. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which allows individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, or psychodynamic therapy, which explores the root causes of imposter syndrome. The therapist may also provide coping strategies such as mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and positive self-talk.
It's important to note that talk therapy is not a quick fix for imposter syndrome. Developing new habits and strategies to manage these feelings takes time and effort. But with the help of a skilled therapist, veterinarians can learn to manage their imposter syndrome and build resilience.
Mindfulness Therapy
Another approach to managing imposter syndrome is mindfulness therapy. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, veterinarians can become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and learn to respond more constructively.
Veterinarians can use many mindfulness techniques to manage their imposter syndrome. These may include meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans. Mindfulness therapy aims to develop greater self-awareness and teach to respond to feelings of imposter syndrome with kindness and compassion.
In mindfulness therapy, veterinarians will work with a therapist to develop a mindfulness practice that works for them. The therapist may also guide how to integrate mindfulness into daily life. By practicing mindfulness regularly, veterinarians can create greater self-awareness and learn to respond to imposter syndrome more constructively.
Self-Compassion Exercises
Self-compassion involves treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. By practicing self-compassion, veterinarians can learn to be more accepting of their imperfections and mistakes, which can help to alleviate feelings of imposter syndrome.
Veterinarians can use many self-compassion exercises to manage their imposter syndrome. These may include writing self-compassionate letters to oneself, practicing gratitude, and engaging in self-care activities. In addition, self-compassion exercises aim to develop a greater sense of self-acceptance and self-love.
In self-compassion therapy, veterinarians will work with a therapist to develop self-compassion exercises that work for them. The therapist may also guide how to integrate self-compassion into daily life. By practicing self-compassion regularly, veterinarians can learn to be more accepting of their imperfections and mistakes and reduce feelings of imposter syndrome.
Support Groups
Support groups can be incredibly beneficial for veterinarians struggling with imposter syndrome. Support groups offer a safe and non-judgmental environment for veterinarians to share their experiences and feelings with others who are going through similar struggles. In addition, they can provide a sense of community and belonging, which can be especially helpful for those who feel isolated in their efforts.
Support groups can also offer the opportunity for veterinarians to receive practical advice and guidance from others who have experienced similar challenges. Members can share coping strategies, techniques, and tools that have worked for them. They can also offer support and encouragement when things are difficult, which can be essential for overcoming imposter syndrome.
Moreover, support groups can provide a space where veterinarians can practice vulnerability and honesty. This step is essential because imposter syndrome can often lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and embarrassment. Sharing these feelings in a safe space can help reduce these negative emotions and promote healing and growth.
Overall, support groups can be an effective way for veterinarians to overcome imposter syndrome. They offer a safe and supportive environment where veterinarians can share their experiences, receive practical advice and guidance, and practice vulnerability and honesty. If you are a veterinarian struggling with imposter syndrome, consider joining a support group to help you overcome these challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, imposter syndrome is prevalent among veterinarians, which can harm their mental health and professional performance. However, various strategies can help veterinarians overcome imposter syndrome and develop a positive self-image and mindset.
Talk therapy can be a practical approach to address imposter syndrome by providing a safe and supportive space for veterinarians to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insight into their beliefs and behavior patterns, and learn coping skills to manage self-doubt and anxiety. Mindfulness therapy can also be a valuable tool to cultivate self-awareness, emotional regulation, and self-compassion, which can help veterinarians develop a more balanced and resilient mindset.
Self-compassion exercises can be particularly useful in addressing the harsh self-judgment and perfectionism that often underlie imposter syndrome and encourage veterinarians to treat themselves with kindness, understanding, and empathy.
Support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging, offer a platform for sharing experiences and insights, and facilitate social support and validation, which can help veterinarians feel less isolated and more empowered.
Ultimately, overcoming imposter syndrome requires a willingness to confront and challenge one's negative beliefs and self-perceptions and to adopt a more growth-oriented and self-compassionate mindset. With the proper support and strategies, veterinarians can build resilience, confidence, and a sense of authenticity and thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Author: Jose Feneque, DVM
The Sindh Veterinary Community Needs To Be A Priority For The Local Government
Doctor Kamran Chandio explains the difficulties affecting veterinary students in the Sindh Province of Pakistan.
The article discusses the mistreatment of young veterinary doctors and students in Sindh, Pakistan. The author, Dr. Kamran Chandio, believes that veterinary doctors are more important than medical doctors because more than half of the diseases transmitted to humans are spread from animals to humans. Therefore, the World Health Organization emphasizes the concept of One Health, which means that healthy animals and environments are essential for human health.
Despite the importance of veterinary doctors, they are not recognized in Sindh, and thousands are facing unemployment. The ruling party and high-ranking officials in the veterinary sector waste billions of rupees on political programs and fail to address the veterinary community's needs. The author also notes that during the flood of 2022, the animals of poor people in Sindh died due to a lack of vaccination, which was not addressed.
Furthermore, the author highlights the two-sided treatment of veterinary students in Sindh. Unlike Punjab and other provinces of Pakistan, veterinary students in Sindh are not given pad house jobs, essential for researching animal welfare and diseases. The author argues that providing pad house jobs to veterinary students can help prevent future outbreaks of deadly diseases like the Corona Virus and Lumpy Skin Disease.
The author suggests that the Director General of the Livestock Department of Sindh should devise a strategy to meet the demands of the veterinary students, such as arranging international conferences and inviting experts from all over the world. Additionally, livestock accounts should be given to veterinary students during disease outbreaks. Overall, the author stresses the importance of recognizing and supporting the veterinary community in Sindh to achieve a healthy society.
ينگ وٽرنري ڊاڪٽرن ۽ شاگردن سان ظلم ڇو?
ڊاڪٽر ڪامران چانڊيو
منهنجي نظر ۾ وٽرنري ڊاڪٽر جي اهميت ميڊيڪل ڊاڪٽر کان وڌيڪ آهي اهو ان ڪري نه جو مان ان پيشي سان سلهاڙيل آهيان پر اهو ان ڪري ته انسانن ۾ منتقل ٿيندڙ اڌ کان وڌيڪ بيماريون جانورن مان انسانن ۾ پکڙجي ڪروڙين انسانن جون زندگيون ڳڙڪائي وڃن ٿيون تحقيق مان ثابت ٿيو آهي ته انسانن ۾ ٿيندڙ 75 سيڪڙو بيماريون جانورن مان انسانن ۾ منتقل ٿيون آهن اهو ئي سبب آهي ته صحت جي عالمي اداري به انسانن جانورن ۽ ان سان گڏ ماحوليات کي هڪ نظر سان ڏسي اهو چيو آهي ته اگر جانور ۽ ماحوليات صحتمند هوندا ته تڏهن ئي انسان جي صحتمند زندگي جو تصور ممڪن آهن جنهن کي انهن ون هيلٿ جو نالو ڏنو آهي جنهن ۾ آهي ته جانور انسان ۽ جنهن ماحول ۾ انسان ۽ جانور زندگي گذارين ٿا اهي اگر صحتمند هوندا تڏهن ئي صحتمند معاشري جي تعبير ممڪن ٿي سگهندي.
اسان جي معاشري خاص ڪري سنڌ ۾ وٽرنري ڊاڪٽرن جي اهميت کي سمجهڻ بجاء انهن کي ڊاڪٽر ئي تسليم ناهي ڪيو ويندو جنهن جو نتيجو اهو وڃي نڪتو آهي ته سنڌ جا وٽرنري ڊاڪٽر ۽ وٽرنري شاگرد نه فقط نڌڻڪا پر لاوارث پڻ بڻجي چڪا آهن جن جي داد فرياد ٻڌڻ وارو ڪير به ناهي, جنهن سبب سنڌ جا هزارين وٽرنري ڊاڪٽر بيروزگاري کي منهن ڏئي رهيا آهن پر الميو اهو آهي ته هر سال ڪميشن جا امتحان وٺڻ بجاء حڪمران ڌر ۽ وٽرنري جي شعبي سان سلهاڙيل اعلي آفيسر پنهنجو پيٽ ڀرڻ لاء هر سال اينيمل ايڪسپو جهڙا سياسي پروگرام ڪرائي اربين رپين جي بجيٽ ڳڙڪائي وڃن ٿا.
2022 واري ٻوڏ ۾ جانورن جي آيل کاڌ خوراڪ کي پڻ ڪاغذن ۾ ڏيکاري هڙپ ڪيو ويو چند مند پسند ماڻهن کي ڇڏي ٻوڏ متاثر عوام جي جانورن جي حصي ۾ ڪجهه به ڪونه آيو نه فقط ايترو پر جڏهن لمپي اسڪن ڊيزيز جو بريڪ ڊائون ٿيو ته من پسند ماڻهن جي بنگلن تي وڃي انهن جي جانورن جي ويڪسين ڪئي وئي پر سنڌ جي غريب عوام جا هزارين جانور ويڪسين نه ٿيڻ سبب تڙپي تڙپي مري ويا پر انهن جي ڪنهن سار نه لڌي. اربين روپين جي بجيٽ هئڻ باوجود اڄ به سنڌ جون وٽرنري اسپتالون کنڊرات جو ڏيک ڏئي رهيون آهن ان ۾ مقرر ڊاڪٽر پنهنجيون ڊيوٽيون ڪرڻ بجاء فيلڊ ۾ مصروف نظر اچن ٿا پر ڪير به انهن کان پڇڻ وارو ناهي.
هن سڄي غزبناڪ صورتحال ۾ ينگ وٽرنري ڊاڪٽرن سان پڻ ٻه اکيائي وارو سلوڪ جاري آهي هن وقت جڏهن پنجاب ۽ پاڪستان جا ٻيا صوبا وٽرنري شاگردن کي نه فقط ريسرچ جون سهولتون ڏئي رهيا آهن پر انهن کي پيڊ هائوس جاب پڻ ڏني وڃي ٿي پر سنڌ ۾ صرف ڳالهين کان سواء عمل ڪٿي به نظر نه ٿو اچي گذريل ڪيترن ئي سالن کان سنڌ جا ينگ وٽرنري ڊاڪٽر ۽ شاگرد مسلسل اهو مطالبو مڃائڻ لاء جدوجهد ڪري رهيا آهن پر شايد اربين رپين جي بجيٽ هئڻ باوجود هر سال سنڌ جي ٻن وٽرنري جي يونيورسٽيز مان پاس آئوٽ ٿيندڙ لڳ ڀڳ چار سو شاگردن کي پيڊ هائوس جاب نه ٿي ڏني وڃي جيڪا سنڌ جي وٽرنري شاگردن سان سراسر انصافي آهي.
ٿيڻ ته ائين کپندو آهي ته وٽرنري جي شعبي سان سلهاڙيل شاگرن کي پيڊ هائوس جاب ڏني وڃي ته جئين اهي لائيو اسٽاڪ کاتي سنڌ سان گڏجي جانورن جي ڀلائي ۽ انهن ۾ ٿيندڙ بيمارين تي ريسرچ ڪن ڇو جو ايندڙ وقت ۾ ڪرونا وائرس ۽ لمپي اسڪن ڊيزيز جيان ٻيون ڪيتريون ئي موت مار بيماريون اڀري سگهن ٿيون ان ڪري ضروري آهي ته جانورن جي صحت تي ڪم ڪيو وڃي ته جئين ايندڙ وقت ۾ جانورن سان گڏجي انسان به صحتمند زندگي گذاري سگهن ۽
سنڌ جي لائيو اسٽاڪ کاتي جي ڊاريڪٽر جنرل کي گهرجي ته شاگردن جي هن مطالبي جي پوراءُ لاء حڪمت عملي جوڙين ته جئين سنڌ جي وٽرنري شاگردن ۾ پکڙيل مايوسي ختم ٿي سگهي. ٻي ڳالهه ته هر سال انيمل ايڪسپو جهڙا پروگرام ڪرڻ بجاء سنڌ جي ٻين وٽرنري يونيورسٽين ۾ عالمي ڪانفرنسون مقرر ڪرائي پوري دنيا جي ماهرن کي دعوت ڏني وڃي ۽ جڏهن لمپي اسڪن ڊيزيز جهڙين بيمارين جو آئوث بريڪ ٿئي ٿو ته سنڌ جي وٽرنري شاگردن کي لائيو اسٽاڪ کاتو سنڌ پاڻ سان گڏجي ڪم ڪرڻ جو موقعو فراهم ڪري ته جئين اهي به پنهنجي قابليت جو مظاهرو ڪري سگهن..
Author: Dr. Kamran Chandio
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