Despite facing considerable mental health challenges, many veterinary professionals are hesitant to discuss mental health or use available resources and support. At Mars, we’re determined to help reduce mental health stigmas.
“Mental health has long carried a stigma, and most people tend to hide their feelings,” says Lori Shealey, one of our social workers at BluePearl Pet Hospital(Opens a new window). “But we want people to know it’s OK not to be OK. Talking starts the path to healing. Seeking support lets light into the darkness. It helps you discover and tap into the strengths you carry with you. Talking about mental health is a game-changer.”
And while you might think veterinary professionals spend their days snuggling puppies and kittens, that’s only part of the picture. Their jobs also come with intense highs and lows, stemming from multiple factors:
- High demand and burnout. Day in and day out, veterinary professionals experience fast-paced, unpredictable workloads, juggling various responsibilities and appointments. These realities of the job are complicated by high demand for veterinary care, paired with workforce shortages in many regions.
- Dilemmas and distress. As pet lovers first and foremost, veterinary professionals face a unique set of stressors – they've dedicated their lives to caring for animals but deal with pet illness and death daily, along with clients who sometimes struggle to balance their pets’ needs with financial realities.
- Compassion fatigue. In addition to exposure to pet illness and euthanasia, veterinary professionals deliver bad news to clients, witness animal cruelty and offer emotional support to distraught pet owners. Repeated exposure to these traumatic situations and suffering can take a toll on mental health and make work/life balance challenging to achieve.
“As the world’s largest provider of veterinary care, we’re dedicated to creating A Better World for Pets. To do that, we must also support the health and wellbeing of the amazing humans who care for them,” says Scott Mogren, Senior Director of Health and Wellbeing at Mars Veterinary Health and Banfield Pet Hospital. “Mars Veterinary Health has made considerable investments to enhance Associate resources(Opens a new window) and benefits, including personalized mental health solutions and trainings, Associate assistance programs, and in-house mental health professionals to support to our veterinary Associates and clients.”
Across our Mars Veterinary Health(Opens a new window) practices, we’re committed to inspiring change that supports all who choose this profession—and to easing mental health burdens, so our caregivers can focus on their passion for pet care.
“We train our leaders and managers(Opens a new window) to recognize signs of emotional strain and distress among our Associates, as well as barriers to wellbeing,” says Banfield(Opens a new window) social worker, Jeannine Moga. “We equip our leaders to initiate conversations about mental health and wellbeing, and to be mental health resource brokers, connecting Associates to the support they need to be their best. We also work at the macro level with industry leaders to shape mental health policies, practices and resources — all in the name of creating a culture of safety and belonging in the veterinary field.”
Lead nurse Sophie Evans at Linnaeus(Opens a new window)’ Blacks Vets clinic is one of several Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across the veterinary group, overseen by a mental health and wellbeing manager.
“We’re trained to recognize situations that might lead to our co-workers’ mental health issues, as well as behaviors that indicate someone is suffering. And we’re knowledgeable about available mental health support resources,” she says. “We might open a conversation by simply saying, ‘seems like you’re a little off today. Are you OK?’ It’s also important to consider all members of the team. Our reception staff are also exposed to seeing hurt pets, as well as grieving and upset clients. We work hard to ensure all our Associates have access to resources that support their mental health.”
At VCA(Opens a new window), hospital-based social worker Deme Warner points out the importance of helping veterinary professionals remember their “why” and understand they can make a difference, one pet and person at a time.
“By addressing mental health as part of a holistic support system, we’re truly paving the way to improve the future of the veterinary profession,” says Deme. “People in this field have often dreamed of being part of it since childhood. It’s a profoundly personal passion. By investing in mental health support and giving Associates the appropriate tools, we’re helping ensure they find gratification in their chosen field.”
Destigmatizing mental health is crucial for creating a safe and inclusive environment where our people feel comfortable seeking help and support. By challenging stigmas, we can foster open conversations about mental health, promote early intervention and ensure people receive the care they need without fear of judgment or discrimination.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a physical or mental health emergency, call emergency services (988 in the U.S.).
