Working in the field of veterinary medicine is incredibly rewarding.

We provide comfort and treatment to patients with illness, disease, and injury.

We’re privileged to nurse sick patients back to health and experience the joy of being reunited with their families.

…But our line of work also has its fair share of challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles that veterinary professionals face is the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue.

Both can significantly impact the mental and emotional well-being of those working in the industry, but it is important to understand the differences between them.

Let’s start with burnout.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress.

In the veterinary space, feelings of burnout can occur when we are constantly faced with demanding workloads, long hours, and emotional distress from dealing with sick or injured animals. It’s chronic and happens gradually over time.

Burnout can lead to feelings of:

• Frustration

• Exhaustion

• Cynicism

• A sense of detachment/alienation from the job

Burnout can also manifest as physical symptoms…

You might see or experience symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and a lack of self-care.

 On the other hand…

…compassion fatigue is a specific type of burnout

Compassion fatigue (also known as empathy fatigue) occurs when individuals are regularly exposed to the suffering/trauma of others.

In our field, compassion fatigue can develop as a result of repeatedly witnessing the pain and suffering of patients, as well as the emotional toll of dealing with grieving pet parents.

Compounded stress results from an ongoing wish to relieve suffering from patients and pet parents (often followed by feelings of failure), which can lead to feelings of hopelessness, guilt, and a decreased ability to empathize with others.

The very nature of our work exposes us to the (often) sad reality of patient decline and owner distress or loss.

 Burnout and compassion fatigue are serious issues that can profoundly impact the well-being of veterinary professionals.

Veterinary teams must recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and take steps to prevent and address them.

 One way to combat burnout and compassion fatigue is through self-care practices.

Self-care means preserving time for personal well-being, such as:

• Regular exercise

• Healthy eating

• Adequate rest

• Actively participating in hobbies outside of work

• Spending time with friends and family

If you’re struggling with burnout and/or compassion fatigue, seek support from colleagues, friends, and mental health professionals immediately.

Building a solid support network can help us cope with the challenges of the job and prevent feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

Additionally, veterinary organizations and leadership teams play a crucial role in addressing burnout and compassion fatigue by offering resources such as:

• Counseling services

• Stress management workshops

• Flexible work schedules

As leaders, we need to prioritize our own well-being to help maintain a supportive and healthy work environment for our teams and empower them to continue providing the best care for our patients.

By recognizing the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue and taking proactive steps to address these issues, we enable our teams to continue making a positive impact in the lives of our patients and pet parents.

Well-being Resources Geared Toward the Veterinary Community

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hosts a number of CE-accredited trainings and webinars  and offers a free wellbeing assessment along with some helpful self-care tools   

Not One More Vet (NOMV) is an organization that works tirelessly to support the well-being of the veterinary community

Suicide and Crisis prevention Hotline offers free, confidential support for those in distress

Don’t allow yourself or your team to suffer alone. Don’t wait. Reach out. Speak up.