Caring for Caregivers: Supporting Veterinary Mental Health During Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to shine a light on the emotional well-being of those who spend their lives caring for others. For veterinarians and veterinary teams, the work is meaningful but often demanding. Now is the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and reach out.

The Reality Behind the Work We Love

Veterinary Medicine is a calling driven by compassion, yet it’s no secret that it also comes with immense stress. Long hours, emotional fatigue, financial pressures, client expectations, and ethical dilemmas can take a toll on even the most seasoned professionals. The AVMA reports that veterinarians are at a significantly higher risk for mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and burnout.

You’re not alone – and you don’t have to face it alone.

Let’s Set You Up for Mental Health Success

This month, we encourage every member of the veterinary community to make their mental health a priority. Here are a few simple, meaningful ways to start:

1. Talk About It
   Mental Health is just as important as physical health, yet stigma can still make it hard to open up. Start the conversation with your team. Ask how they’re doing – how they’re really doing. Share your own experience, if you’re comfortable. Normalizing these conversations builds a culture of trust and support.
   
2. Protect Your Time
   Boundaries are essential for sustainable caregiving. That might mean sticking to your lunch break, saying no to non-emergency appointment after hours, or taking a mental health day. Time to rest isn’t selfish – it’s necessary.
   
3. Lean on Your Community
   You are part of a larger veterinary family. Whether it’s a colleague, a peer support group, or a professional therapist, connecting with others who understand can make a world of difference. If your workplace doesn’t already offer mental health resources, consider advocating for them.
   
4. Practice Small Acts of Self-Care
   You don’t need an elaborate routine to support your mental health. Try:
   • A 10-minute walk in nature
   • Journaling at the end of your shift
   • Turning your phone off for an hour
   • Listening to music that lifts you up
   • Celebrating small wins each day
     
5. Know Where to Turn For Help
   If you’re struggling, help is available. Organizations like Not One More Vet (NOMV), the AVMA’s Wellbeing Resources, and local Employee Assistance Programs offer confidential support and tools tailored for veterinary professionals.

Resources for Veterinary Professionals


• Not One More Vet (NOMV):
  • Support for veterinary professionals facing mental health challenges
  • Website: nomv.org
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
  • Call or text 988 anytime
  • Website: https://988lifeline.org/
• AVMA Wellbeing
  • Mental health tools, crisis support information, and workplace strategies
  • Website: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing
• Veterinary Hope Foundation
  • Provides support groups and resources for veterinary professionals struggling with isolation, burnout, or depressions
  • Website: https://veterinaryhope.org/

Let’s Care for Each Other

Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to caring for animals and supporting their clients. This May, let’s make sure the people behind the stethoscopes feel seen, valued, and supported. Your mental health matters – and it’s okay to prioritize it.

You’re making a difference every day. Now let’s make sure you feel your best while doing it.

From all of us at VHA, thank you for all that you do. We see you, we support you, and we’re here for you!