Dr. Alex Lanni is setting the record straight
Shakespeare famously wrote, “To thine own self be true.”
It’s good advice.
As veterinary medicine professionals, those working with animals sometimes get so caught up taking care of everybody else (four-legged patients and their two-legged families included) that we sometimes forget to think about ourselves.
Consequently, our own health suffers…which is good for no one!
Dr. Alex Lanni knows all about being true to himself. Since graduating with a Molecular Biology BA and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University, he has gone on to become a full-time veterinarian at Bond Vet.
But one of his greatest accomplishments?
Helping families through the treatment and welfare of their furry companions – without compromising who he is, what he believes in, and the things that make him happy. Vet Candy had a blast sitting down with Dr. Lanni to get his take on self-care, mental health, and why being yourself is a #1 priority.
Why Self Care is the Opposite of “Selfish”
“You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Have you ever heard this saying before? In essence, it means a person cannot look after others (emotionally or physically) if their own tank is running on empty.
Dr. Lanni understands the importance of taking care of yourself. According to him, both the body and mind require regular maintenance to be the best providers we can be.
He explains:
“I realize that it’s difficult to take care of the people and animals in my life if I don’t take care of myself first. I used to believe this was a selfish behavior, but I soon realized I wouldn’t be capable of fulfilling my lifelong dream of helping all living beings if I didn’t help myself along the way.”
Here at Vet Candy, we wholeheartedly agree!
As Dr. Alex so aptly concludes, “Wellness starts with you.”
The Biggest Problem Facing the Veterinary Field Today
Of course, looking after yourself is just one small piece of the puzzle. There are wider issues affecting the vet med community, including a mental health crisis that has been decades in the making.
In a Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study published in 2020, researchers monitored wellbeing and mental health of US veterinarians. They found that many veterinarians were experiencing high levels of stress, burnout, and suicide ideation.
Dr. Alex Lanni wasn’t surprised.
“I think burnout, compassion fatigue, and depression are alive and real,” he shares. “This is not only veterinarians but all members of the veterinary team, from clinic care coordinator to veterinary technician. Mental health problems cannot be called out enough.”
To combat stress, Dr. Lanni likes to go for runs and listen to calming music.
Don’t Water Yourself Down for Others
Ultimately, life is a sprint not a marathon. Who you are today is not the same person you were destined to be five, ten, or twenty years from now.
So, what does Dr. Alex wish he could tell his younger self?
“Don’t ever apologize for being yourself,” he says. “Cut the negative and pessimistic people out of your life. If you believe it, you can do it. Additionally, do what makes you happy and satisfied. Don’t try to become someone or something you’re not fond of, especially when seeking approval from someone else.”
Wise words from an amazing veterinarian!