Most veterinarians choose their careers out of a deep love for animals. The work can be rewarding, but it also asks a lot. In a single day, a vet may welcome a new puppy, perform emergency surgery, comfort a grieving family, and field a frustrated phone call about a bill.
Over time, that emotional weight adds up. Depression in veterinarians is a serious and growing concern, and it often starts with quieter warning signs like compassion fatigue and burnout. Below, we look at why vets face higher risk, how to tell these conditions apart, and when it is time to reach out for help.
Research has shown that veterinarians experience higher rates of psychological distress than the general public. A study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also found that veterinarians die by suicide at higher rates than the general population, with the gap especially wide for women in the field.
Several parts of the job contribute to that risk:
These terms are often used together, and they can overlap. Understanding each one can help you spot what you are feeling.
Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from caring for others who are suffering. It can show up quickly, sometimes after one especially hard case. People with compassion fatigue often feel numb, have trouble feeling empathy, or find themselves replaying painful moments.
Burnout builds more slowly. It comes from long-term work stress, such as heavy caseloads, long hours, and little control over your schedule. Its hallmarks are exhaustion, growing cynicism about work, and a sense that nothing you do makes a difference.
Depression is a medical condition that affects every part of life, not only work. While compassion fatigue and burnout may improve with rest or time off, depression usually does not lift on its own. Left unaddressed, compassion fatigue and burnout can raise the risk of depression.
Pay attention if you notice several of these, especially if they last two weeks or more:
Coworkers may notice changes first. A quiet, caring check-in with a colleague who seems withdrawn can mean more than you think.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Small changes will not fix a demanding job, but they can help you recover between hard days:
If symptoms last longer than two weeks, follow you home from work, or leave you feeling hopeless, it is time to talk with a mental health professional. You spend your days caring for others. You deserve the same care.
Talk therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and antidepressant medication both help many people. But medication does not bring enough relief for everyone, and some people find the side effects hard to manage during long, demanding shifts.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment that is FDA cleared for major depressive disorder in adults who have not found enough relief from antidepressant medication. TMS uses magnetic pulses, similar in strength to those used in an MRI, to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood.
You stay awake and alert during each session, with no anesthesia, so you can drive yourself and go right back to your day. A typical course is five sessions per week over about six weeks. Results vary from person to person, and the most commonly reported side effect is mild scalp discomfort that tends to ease after the first week.
At Advantage TMS, we offer evening and Saturday appointments to fit around clinic hours and on-call schedules. We also pair TMS with free group therapy and support for sleep, nutrition, and movement in a calm, welcoming setting.
Depression in veterinarians is real, common, and treatable. Compassion fatigue and burnout are not signs of weakness. They are natural responses to a job that asks for a great deal of heart. Recognizing the signs early and reaching out for support can help you feel like yourself again.
If you are a veterinarian or veterinary team member in the Clearwater or Tampa Bay area, our women-owned practice is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out if TMS is right for you.
Gyles C. (2018). Surprising new findings on veterinarians’ mental health and well-being. The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 59(10), 1041–1043.
Tomasi, S. E., Fechter-Leggett, E. D., Edwards, N. T., Reddish, A. D., Crosby, A. E., & Nett, R. J. (2019). Suicide among veterinarians in the United States from 1979 through 2015. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 254(1), 104–112. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.254.1.104
Our office is closed December 25th for Christmas and January 1st for New Years Day. If you have any questions or urgent requests, please email us at info@advantagementalhealth.com.
Please fill out the form if you have a patient interested in learning more about TMS treatment. We appreciate the referral and partnership.
Next Steps:
• Our TMS Coordinator will contact the patient to schedule a complimentary information session.
• If the patient decides to seek TMS treatment with Advantage TMS, we will communicate with you when necessary and the patient will continue to work with you while receiving treatment.
Questions?
• Please don’t hesitate to contact us at 727-600-8093 or info@advantagementalhealth.com
