By Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola

Human-first. Always. Systems that serve, cultures that care. 

As a child, I was utterly captivated by cats. 

I’d see them weaving through alleyways or curled up in corners, and I’d imagine one day having one of my own. In my faith Islam, cats are seen as clean and cherished creatures many Muslims welcome them into their homes with affection and ease. But that wasn’t the case in my household. My parents didn’t really believe in having animals indoors. They couldn’t quite understand my fascination or desire to have one. So, despite my deep longing, a pet cat remained a distant dream. 

Still, I held onto that longing. 

What I didn’t realise back then was that the comfort I craved from a furry companion wasn’t just about play—it was about presence. As someone who has lived through mental health struggles since childhood and into adulthood, I can’t help but wonder how different things might have been if I had a little four-legged friend by my side. Someone who offered silent reassurance when words failed me. 

When I turned 40—by then a mother, a wife, and someone who had finally learned to prioritise her own wellbeing—I made a decision just for me. 

I brought Jewel into my life. 

My beautiful cat. 

My third child. 

My quiet companion. 

She curls up next to me when I’m anxious. She knows when I need stillness. She offers something that many of us long for - unconditional comfort without explanation. 

And in honour of World Health Day, I want to reflect not only on my own journey but on the powerful and often overlooked connection between mental health, culture, and the veterinary profession. 

 The Hidden Struggles of the Veterinary World 

Veterinary professionals are some of the most compassionate people you’ll meet. But behind the scenes, many are quietly struggling. High workloads, emotionally charged environments, client grief, and ethical dilemmas all take their toll. The profession is facing alarming rates of mental health challenges including burnout, anxiety, depression, and suicide, similar to the health and social care sector and I know after spending 15 years in the NHS. 

But within that crisis lies a missed opportunity—one that speaks to the heart of what we do at Socially Inspired: -acknowledging the cultural lens. 

Too often, wellbeing support in clinical settings follows a one-size-fits-all model. But the truth is, mental health is not experienced the same way across cultures. Nor is the act of seeking help. 

 Culture Shapes Coping 

• In South Asian households like the one I grew up in, emotional distress is often spiritualised or internalised. You're expected to “get on with it” or pray it away. 

• In African and Caribbean cultures, expressions of mental strain may be masked with humour or stoicism—strength is revered. 

• In East Asian communities, the idea of prioritising self over family can feel selfish, leading to silent suffering. 

• In some White British communities, especially older generations, there’s still a “keep calm and carry on” mindset. Talking about feelings can feel uncomfortable or unnecessary. 

If veterinary professionals from these backgrounds are navigating both the emotional intensity of their roles and a cultural silence around mental wellbeing, is it any wonder so many suffer in silence? 

At Socially Inspired, we believe meaningful wellbeing support must be culturally intelligent. 

Here's how the veterinary world can evolve: 

• Make Room for Cultural Conversations 

Wellbeing initiatives should invite people to bring their whole selves—not just their clinical identity. This includes faith, community, upbringing, and cultural values. 

• Normalise Diverse Healing Methods 

Whether it’s therapy, prayer, community support, or furry companions—create space for different routes to healing. 

• Train Leaders with Cultural Competence 

Equip managers and supervisors with the awareness to see beyond surface-level signs and understand how distress shows up differently across cultures. 

• Honour the Power of Companion Animals 

Let’s not underestimate what pets mean to people not just clients, but the staff who care for them. For many, like me, animals offer the kind of emotional support words can't provide. 

This World Health Day, let’s honour the healing power of connection—human and animal. Let’s challenge cultural silence around mental health. And let’s create workplaces where veterinary professionals of all backgrounds feel safe, seen, and supported. 

Jewel isn’t just my cat—she’s my comfort, my co-regulator, my reminder that healing doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes it comes in the quiet purr of someone who just gets it. 

Want to explore how to embed cultural intelligence and wellbeing into your profession and organsiation? Let’s talk - Mehvish Shaffi-Ajibola, CEO and Founder of Socially Inspired. a values-led HR and OD consultancy driven by the bold motto: “Human-first. Always. Systems that serve, cultures that care.” 

I invite you to book a free 30-minute exploration call. At Socially Inspired, we work with organisations to embed cultural intelligence into leadership, wellbeing strategies, and systems change. Whether you're a veterinary practice, a health provider, or a compassionate leader looking to create meaningful impact—let’s start the conversation. 

Visit: www.sociallyinspired.org.uk 

Book a virtual meet email us on: [email protected]