Vet Education Webinars
The Neck Up Check Up
Speaker
Dr. Jen Brandt
Veterinarians
Summary
Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships.
Did you know that most people who attempt and die by suicide have a mental health condition although it’s often not diagnosed? Many of us don’t prioritize having frank conversations about suicide and mental health, seeking connection, or engaging in intentional, consistent mental health promotion practices. However, suicide is a preventable public health issue and just like physical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or broken bones, mental health conditions can be treated, managed and/or resolved.
Despite the serious subject matter, Dr. Jen Brandt addresses topics related to suicide prevention and mental health with relatable examples and a light, conversational approach to demystify the process of self-care and mental health promotion. With 30+ years in the mental health field, and 22+ years specializing in the health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals, she invites audience members to integrate a “Neck Up Check Up” into their daily health care routines.
At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
• List two do’s and don’ts of suicide communication and prevention
• List four characteristics of unhealthy behaviors (including workaholism)
• Describe two strategies for promoting mental health and emotional wellbeing
When is it?
Time: 18:00 EDT
Date: Friday, 13 September 2019
Time: 8:00 AEST [Sydney] | 10:00 NZST [Auckland]
Speaker
Jen Brandt
PhD
Dr. Jen Brandt is the Director of Wellbeing, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at the American Veterinary Medical Association. She is a licensed independent social worker and supervisor, experienced grief and trauma therapist, and a healthcare team communications specialist. She is also a certified Psychology of Eating Coach, certified Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, certified QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor, and certified Anti-Oppression Informed Practitioner. Dr. Brandt founded The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Honoring the Bond Program, one of the first programs in the nation aimed at recognizing and honoring the human-animal bond by providing support and resources to animal owners and animal care professionals. She is a nationally and internationally acclaimed speaker at veterinary colleges and conferences and has served as a master trainer and facilitator for the Institute for Healthcare Communication since 2003.
Dr. Brandt’s work centers around providing individuals, teams, and organizations with the skills essential to quality veterinary care, veterinary career success, and personal and professional satisfaction. Her seminars offer applied learning opportunities to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the profession, increase self-awareness, improve wellbeing and resilience, resolve conflict, and enhance veterinary team communication.
Dr. Brandt received her Ph.D. in Social Work and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Sociology with a Minor in Spanish from the University of Indianapolis.