Human relationships are unbelievably important – they can make or mar our experience every hour of the day. Usually we think of that one special relationship as being either great or problematical – but relationships with colleagues, friends, clients, children, parents are also vitally important to us. We define ourselves through relationship.

This section of the web site covers personal relationship problems. If you're looking for help with difficult working relationships within the practice, you should also have a look at the Employment Section – especially the Managing Conflict page. See also the sections on Recent Graduates and Student Support.

Isolation & Loneliness

The first years after graduation can prove very stressful. You are in a new area, separated from your family and from the support structures that you developed as a student.

All of a sudden, you are working long hours, it's very tiring, your confidence in your clinical judgement may have taken a knock and your ability to relate easily to clients disappears like the morning mist. On top of this, you are not sure you like the accommodation you are in and your mates are miles away and just as busy as you are.

Recent graduates often find that the transition from a university faculty with 500 highly motivated people to a remote practice with two or three vets takes a profound mental toll.

This is recognised in the profession and there are help structures and organisations available to you.

See the Recent Graduates page for links to resources and help.

Please see the Relationships Resources page for a large number of links to help and advice on:

• Relationships and Mediation

• Support for Women

• Parenting

• Sexual Health

• Lesbian/Gay

• Domestic Violence

• Bereavement

• Bereavement Due to Suicide

See also:-
Here are some links to issues which can be associated with unsatisfactory relationships:
Employment - Managing Conflict
Recent Graduates
Student Support
Vets & Debt
Legal Issues
Stress, Anxiety & Depression
Complaints & the RCVS
Addiction & Eating Disorders