From high rates of depression among veterinary students to significant psychological distress in practice teams, this episode tackles the challenges and importance of mental health conversations in the veterinary profession. Building on the momentum of Bell Let’s Talk Day in Canada, we explore the concerning mental health statistics within veterinary medicine, emphasizing the need for open dialogue to combat stigma and foster support.

We dive into actionable strategies for creating safe spaces, using active listening, and offering meaningful support while emphasizing the role of workplace culture in shaping mental health outcomes. Additionally, we discuss practical tips for starting these vital conversations and spotlight The Working Mind, an evidence-based program facilitated by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, designed to equip veterinary professionals with tools to manage mental health challenges. Whether you're a team member or a leader, this episode provides valuable insights and resources to help you navigate these essential conversations with confidence and compassion.

Resources

Bell Let’s Talk Initiative: https://letstalk.bell.ca

Merck Animal Health Veterinary Team study reveals factors associated with well-being, burnout, and mental health among nonveterinarian practice team members: https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/262/10/javma.24.03.0225.xml

Executive summary of the Merck Animal Health Veterinarian Wellbeing Study III and Veterinary Support Staff Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35943942/

Prevalence of mental health outcomes among Canadian veterinarians: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31961276/

The Working Mind Program: https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/veterinary-resources/veterinary-health-and-wellness-resources/the-working-mind/

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Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.

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While bubble baths and spa days are nice, true self-care goes much deeper—it's about prioritizing actions that genuinely support your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. During this episode, we share personal stories and evidence-based insights into why self-care isn’t selfish but essential, especially for caregiving professionals like veterinarians. We also explore the benefits of self-care for resilience and burnout prevention, along with practical tips to help you incorporate meaningful self-care practices into your daily life.

Importantly, we break down the eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, occupational, financial, and environmental—and how they intertwine to create holistic wellbeing. From setting boundaries at work to spending time in nature, we offer actionable steps and examples to help you assess and enhance your self-care habits. Whether you’re new to self-care or looking to refine your approach, this episode will provide the tools you need to create a sustainable self-care plan that supports your ability to care for yourself and others.

Resources
Self-Care Assessment (download): https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/selfcare

Work-life balance is essential to reducing burnout, improving well-being (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38729208/

Veterinarians show resilience during COVID-19: challenges faced and successful coping strategies (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36913395/

Burnout and Self Care for Palliative Care Practitioners (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32312415/

Self-care practices and depression, anxiety, and stress scores in veterinary students during a semester (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37265816/

Setting Boundaries and Saying No (Episode 52): https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16009718-setting-boundaries-and-saying-no-in-veterinary-medicine-episode-52-reviving-vet-med

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Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities
Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com

Technology is deeply integrated into veterinary practice, from managing schedules to engaging with clients and staying connected through social media. However, excessive screen time comes at a cost, impacting mental health, sleep, and work-life balance.

In this episode, we explore the importance of digital wellness for veterinary professionals and share practical strategies for creating healthier tech habits. Learn about the effects of social media on mental health, how to set boundaries with screens, and the steps to perform a digital detox. Whether you're feeling stretched thin or simply looking for ways to regain focus and energy, this episode offers actionable tools to reclaim your time, enhance your wellbeing, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Resources

Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study (2017): https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/veterinary-wellbeing-and-scholarships/inaugural-2017-veterinary-wellbeing-study

Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study II (2019): https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/veterinary-wellbeing-and-scholarships/veterinary-wellbeing-study-ii

Is Facebook bad for the mental health of veterinarians? (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/facebook-bad-mental-health-veterinarians/

Ten tips for limiting screen time and improving veterinary wellbeing (blog): https://revivingvetmed.com/ten-tips-limiting-screen-time-improving-veterinary-well/

Discerning the effect of the relationship between disclosure and responsiveness on depression, anxiety, and compassion fatigue among veterinarians (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36706015/

Thank You to Our Sponsor Scribenote

Book a Demo: https://calendly.com/d/4zm-dsr-wfh/scribenote-demo

Try 100 Notes for Free: https://app.scribenote.com/auth/register?referralCode=Reviving-VetMed

Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit: https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/.

Questions, Suggestions, or Sponsorship Opportunities

Email: podcast@revivingvetmed.com