The links to the left will take you to more information on the help available to the veterinary profession for stress, depression or suicidal feelings and information on how to get help if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and needs emergency or out of hours assistance.  There is also information about current research on the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals.     

Long hours, the risk of professional mistakes, client expectations and administrative work have been reported as the greatest stressors to veterinary surgeons.  Recent graduates add to this list managing their personal finances and those who treat clinical cases add unexpected clinical outcomes and being on-call out of hours (Bartram et al 2009b).  Studies in New Zealand and Australia have reported similar findings (Gardner and Hini 2006, Fritschi and others 2009). 

If you would like to speak to someone with personal experience of the veterinary profession about whatever is troubling you, Vet Helpline offers an empathetic listening service and can tell you how to get more specialist help if necessary.
Tel: 07659 811 118 (local call rates apply, 24hr rapid response answer phone).

In addition, the Veterinary Surgeons’ Health Support Programme is also available to provide completely confidential professional help with alcohol, drug, addiction & mental health issues.  The VSHSP National Co-ordinator can be contacted on 07946 634220 or at VSHSP@vetlife.org.uk.

Why are veterinary surgeons vulnerable?

The following factors are thought to be involved but further research is currently being conducted to investigate this more fully. 

• They may work in difficult circumstances (long hours, fast pace, volume and complexity of work) in less well managed organisations.
• They are giving support all day dealing with the physical and emotional distress of others, but who gives support to them?
• They may work in both psychological and physical isolation.
• As a result of the long hours worked they often have poor family relationships and support.
• Lack of feedback (except complaints!)
• They are burdened with a large amount of bureaucracy from the Government and changes in working practices.
• They are reluctant to ask for help or may feel the response is unhelpful.
• Paradox 1 - To be a good vet surgeon one needs to be emotionally involved with the animals being treated (capable of empathy and humanity). Yet, to survive emotionally one needs to be detached from their pain and suffering.
• Paradox  2 – Higher levels of self-criticism are associated with high rates of depression.  Yet, veterinary surgeons need to be totally committed and self-critical to learn from mistakes and avoid mishaps.
• They are accustomed through their work to ending the life of animals and have the knowledge to do it.

How can you help yourself? 

• Register with a GP before any problems develop. 
• Don’t deny you have a problem. Veterinary surgeons can be frightened and anxious like any other patient. Dealing with a problem early can avert more serious consequences later.
• Don’t let job fears or stigma influence you in asking for help.
• Share your problems with family, friends, or colleagues. Admit vulnerability.
• Psychotherapy / counselling may be appropriate in some circumstances.
• Contact your GP / Veterinary Health Support Programme/Vet Helpline.

What protects against physical and mental stress?

• Make boundaries for yourself.  Don't allow yourself to take on more than you can manage. 
• Create situations that give you choices in what you do.
• Ability to exert control over the environment in the workplace.
• Give yourself challenges but not so much as to cause distress.
• Make sure you have social support at work.
• Develop stress management skills.
• Make space for yourself.
• Develop interests outside work.

Source: Dr Mike Peters BMA Doctors for Doctors Unit & Dr Virginia Richmond VSHSP

Click here for David Bartram's Science of Happiness In-Practice article on the mental wellbeing of the profession and how to improve it using the science of positive psychology.