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.
To increase morale within veterinary teams and build confidence and trust in each other, as well as manage the impact of change, view our special webinar Better Together: Your Clinic, Your Team, Your veterinary family and community. which was originally shown on RU OK Day 2021.
How the AVA can help
The AVA offers a number of programs and services to help you stay healthy and support you in your professional life.
- Annual Conference wellbeing sessions and services to help you stay healthy
- AVA Benevolent Fund providing practical and financial support to veterinarians and their families in times of hardship
- AVA Graduate Mentoring Program offering training for mentors to recognise depression and anxiety and support graduates through their transition into the workforce
- Employee Assistance Program focuses on your wellbeing and offers free services in a number of areas including physical and mental health.
- Free telephone counselling service with qualified counsellors available day or night
- HR Advisory Service for information about managing staff and conflict in the workplace
- Mental health fact sheets accross a number of topics
- Mental health first aid training to assist with helping a person who is developing a mental health problem, or who is experiencing a mental health crisis. Like physical first aid, mental health first aid is given until the person receives professional help or until the crisis resolves.
- Networking opportunities with fellow veterinary professionals