VetHealth

Veterinary science offers a stimulating and rewarding career, and many veterinarians find their work both satisfying and enjoyable.

But we all experience stress from time to time, and there are some common points in a veterinarian’s career when stress is high, and vets need to put some extra thought into taking care of themselves.

The information in this section offers some facts about some of the threats to the health and wellbeing of veterinarians, such as stress, addictions, grief and loss, depression, anxiety and suicide.

There’s also simple advice about how to take steps to stay healthy, maintain a good work-life balance, and deal positively with conflict.

How the AVA can help

Programs and services for members help you stay healthy and support you in your professional life.

• Free telephone counselling service with qualified counsellors available day or night. Click here to access the hotline number (you'll need to be logged in as a member)
• Opportunities to link up with other vets in your area through divisions and branches
• Information about managing staff and conflict in the workplace through the HR Advisory Service
• Sessions and services at each Annual Conference to help you stay healthy
• The AVA Benevolent Fund gives practical and financial support to veterinarians and their families in times of hardship
• Discounted meditation courses from the Mindbody Mastery program - a world-class online program for learning meditation.

If you’re distressed and you’re not an AVA member, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 to speak to a trained volunteer counsellor. Speaking to a close friend, family member, colleague or trusted advisor can also help.

News articles

Paul Davey celebrates Stress Down Day – 24 July 2009

Information

www.vetlife.org.uk - The British Veterinary Association website on the health and welfare of veterinarians

Psychological well-being of Australian veterinarians – March 2009

Suicide in Australian veterinarians – April 2008

Reading

Staying Sane: How To Make Your Mind Work For You, Raj Persaud

Who Moved My Cheese?, Spencer Johnson (an amazing way to deal with change)

Manhood, Steven Biddulph

I Dont Want To Talk About It: Overcoming The Secret Legacy Of Male Depression, Terrence Real

The Peace of Mind Prescription: An Authoritative Guide to Finding the Most Effective Treatment for Anxiety and Depression, Dennis Charney, Charles Nemeroff and Stephen R. Braun