Dr. Angela Fournier, professor of psychology at Bemidji State University, has been featured in several news publications and articles for her research and presentation at the American Psychological Association. Her research details how veterinarians and others who work with animals face stressors that may contribute to poor mental health, compassion fatigue and burnout. Fournier reports that because professionals in this field are witness to animal suffering and death on a routine basis, they are at a greater risk for depression, anxiety and even suicide.
Fournier says it may be necessary to focus on the big picture and the fact that these professionals are making a difference and animals have been saved, rather than dwelling on individual stories of crisis and loss. She believes self-care is also critical to ensuring the mental health of those who work and volunteer with animals.
Contact
- Dr. Angela Fournier, Professor of Psychology; (218) 755-2530, angela.fournier@bemidjistate.edu
Links
Bemidji State University, located amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota, occupies a wooded campus along the shore of Lake Bemidji. Enrolling more than 5,100 students, Bemidji State offers more than 80 undergraduate majors and eight graduate degrees encompassing arts, sciences and select professional programs. BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities and has a faculty and staff of more than 550. The university’s Shared Fundamental Values include environmental stewardship, civic engagement and international and multicultural understanding. For more, visit bemidjistate.edu or find us at BemidjiState on most of your favorite social media networks.
2020-B-034