Mental Health and Work-Life Balance for Veterinary Practice Owners
Veterinary medicine can mean a busy schedule and emotional ups and downs.
Unfortunately, recent data suggest that this, along with other factors of daily practice, can take a toll mentally and emotionally.
Plus, as a practice owner, there’s the additional pressure of running a business.
You got into this profession because you love pets and want to help them—and that can make for a very rewarding career.
The trick is finding ways to care for yourself.
This may look a little different for everyone, but here are some popular suggestions that have helped many veterinarians find more energy, wellbeing, and balance…
Set Boundaries
When you love animals, it’s natural to want to help every pet who needs care. But failing to set boundaries can lead to burnout.
In addition to the turmoil it causes in a person’s life, burnout can also interfere with the ability to help pets over the long-term.
Setting boundaries can mean a number of different things, depending on your personal preferences and what your work rules allow. Here are a few suggestions…
Put breaks into your schedule
Giving yourself 5-20 minutes to recharge in the morning and afternoon (in addition to your lunch break) can be immensely helpful during a busy day.
Have clear cut rules for scheduling
For example, is double booking allowed? Can you go to lunch rather than seeing the patient that walks in at lunchtime (assuming it’s not a life-threatening emergency)?
To accommodate these and other scheduling surprises, it helps to leave a few appointment slots open each day—that way, you have enough time for all patients rather than running yourself to exhaustion trying to fit everyone in.
Set boundaries with clients
For example, if you give your phone number out to pet owners, be sure they know when and under what circumstances they can call you.
Or if a client is acting really outrageous and causing stress for all employees, it may be in your team’s best interest to “fire” that client to protect everyone’s time, energy, and morale.
Say “no” sometimes
This might mean coordinating with another doctor at your practice to take over care of your patients on your day off, so that your team isn’t calling you at home unless absolutely necessary.
You deserve to enjoy some days off!
Focus On the Positive
Despite your intelligence, knowledge, and passion, some things are out of your control.
Even with your best efforts, sometimes pets don’t get better—due to the nature of their medical condition, or due to owners not agreeing to the type of care you’d like to provide.
This happens to everyone. And while it’s hard to accept, it may help to focus on all the good memories—all the times you’ve helped pets, all the thank you cards from clients, etc.
Sometimes negative thoughts—whether it’s a client who said something rude or the loss of a patient you care about—dominate our minds. It’s human nature.
But usually, the good days outweigh the bad. It’s just a matter of training our brains to refocus on the positive.
Figure Out What Brings You the Most Fulfillment
Find ways to make your daily work life as enjoyable as possible.
This could mean cultivating relationships with clients.
It could also mean community involvement, such as charity efforts, puppy/kitten classes, or informational talks on pet nutrition or other topics.
Fulfillment may also mean specializing, or being the “go-to” doctor in your practice for specific procedures or medical conditions that you enjoy working with.
Cultivate Joy
In addition to professional fulfillment, it’s important to cultivate joy in your personal life.
This means some type of human connection—whether that’s a partner, friends, or family.
If you’re working long hours, it’s easy to feel isolated. By doing your best to schedule time with people you care about—even just a quick phone call—you may find that your mood lifts.
Additionally, physical activities, hobbies, learning new things, and other pursuits outside of work can remind you that “there’s more to life.”
This makes it easier to reframe a bad day as something that, while hurtful, is probably small in the scheme of things.
Schedule Time to Slow Down
If you need to sleep or binge-watch a show after a tiring week, go for it!
Or find time to read a book, take a bath, or meditate.
In addition to activities that bring you joy, scheduling “slow time” may help you feel centered, recharged, and in control of your schedule.
Seek Out Support
It’s helpful to find caring people who can listen.
Depending on your needs and circumstances, this may include…
Friends and family.
Colleagues you trust.
Veterinary support groups such as…
Vets4Vets®
A confidential support group for veterinarians associated with the VIN Foundation, which includes everything from weekly group discussions to one-on-one support.
Not One More Vet
An online support network of over 20,000 veterinarians with additional resources, including support in finding temporary relief workers for vets who need a few days off.
A therapist or counselor. Nowadays, there are convenient and reasonably priced online services such as Talkspace and BetterHelp.
Sometimes, just venting to someone in a safe, confidential setting can really lift the weight off of a person’s shoulders.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.
The Truth About Balance…
The thing about balance is, it’s dynamic, not static.
That means that as you go through different stages of life, your schedule, priorities, and tricks for recharging yourself may change. The key is to be aware and to adjust as needed.
The better you care for yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for pets—and the more joy you’ll get out of your daily work and personal life.
Resources:
Not One More Vet: https://www.nomv.org/
Talkspace: https://www.talkspace.com/
BetterHelp: https://www.betterhelp.com/
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text 741 741 to speak to a trained crisis counselor.
Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM