Recognising and Responding to Veterinary Mental Distress

A shifting profession with evolving expectations

In early 2025, The Animal Echo devoted a series of articles to the evolving landscape of animal health professions, including the increasing feminisation of the global veterinary workforce [1]. During regional conferences hosted by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2024 and 2025 [2,3], participants reflected on how these demographic shifts are reshaping expectations of Veterinary Services and the profession more broadly.

Across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, young professionals of all genders expressed a clear desire for better work–life balance and greater recognition of personal well-being. These changing expectations are already affecting animal health infrastructures, with more professionals gravitating towards small-animal urban practice and fewer pursuing careers in rural or production veterinary medicine.

A growing body of evidence: distress across the Global North

Over the past two decades, research from the Global North has consistently revealed high rates of mental health distress, including suicide, among veterinary professionals. In the United States of America, nearly one third of veterinarians have experienced depressive episodes and 17% report suicidal ideation [4]. A 2017 Canadian survey of 1,272 respondents found that 89.2% showed signs of high exhaustion, depersonalisation or low professional efficacy [5].

Similar patterns appear in Spain, where one study found that 19.8% of veterinary professionals had been diagnosed with anxiety or depression, and 19.1% were taking anxiolytics to manage their mental health [6,7]. Comparable findings have been documented in Austria [8], Norway [9], Poland [10], Finland [11] and Slovenia [12].

These concerns begin at an early age. In France, incidents of bullying, sexual harassment and high academic pressure contribute to 42.8% of veterinary students reporting moderate to severe depressive symptoms – more than double the 20% nationwide prevalence observed among young adults aged 18–24 [13]. Three students at the National Veterinary School of Alfort have died by suicide since the beginning of the 2025 academic year, further highlighting the gravity of the situation [14].

Rising distress in the Global South

Increasingly, similar levels of distress are being documented in the Global South. In Argentina, burnout affects 31% of veterinary professionals [6]. In Brazil, one study found that 33% of nearly 2,000 veterinarians suffer from psychological distress [16]. In Southeast Asia, 74% of veterinarians and 81% of clinic staff report workplace stress [15]. Filipino veterinarians working during the 2019 African swine fever outbreak reported significant emotional impacts, including reduced energy, sleep disruption and new feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, frustration and reduced enjoyment of life [16].

Women, early-career professionals and lower-income staff are disproportionately affected [17,18], emphasising the importance of tailored approaches for different population groups.

Understanding burnout and its drivers

Burnout is a state of physical, mental and emotional exhaustion [19] and is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occupational phenomenon. Its symptoms may manifest physically, psychologically or behaviourally, ranging from frequent illness and fatigue to irritability, withdrawal, anxiety, dread or increased substance dependency.

In Southeast Asia, a lack of public recognition and understanding of veterinarians’ contributions is often cited as a source of stress, leaving many professionals feeling undervalued [15]. The experience of burnout is complex, and personal circumstances can amplify the impact of specific stressors. For example, women often face the added pressure of balancing motherhood and work, while early-career professionals may struggle with student debt.

Despite growing awareness around the world, burnout remains stigmatised and is not acknowledged as a medical condition within the veterinary sector. Cultural taboos and male-dominated workplace cultures can lead veterinarians to view burnout as a personal failure, to be managed alone [4]. For instance, one French veterinary student reported that her medically justified leave due to burnout was referred to as ‘holidays’ by staff upon her return, reflecting a persistent lack of institutional awareness [20].

Mitigating psychosocial risks: how organisations can act

Raising awareness is an essential first step, alongside adequate diagnosis and access to professional help. Recovery from burnout can be a long process, and early recognition is crucial.

Organisations need to take psychosocial risks seriously: mental fatigue and burnout ‘can impair clinical judgement, reduce retention in rural or specialised roles, and affect the delivery of care across multiple sectors’ [21]. Yet, as highlighted in the Southeast Asian study, proactive mental health initiatives remain rare. Nearly half of respondents identified time constraints due to high workloads as the main barrier to addressing mental health issues, while more than one third cited financial constraints [14].

To improve mental health and strengthen psychosocial resilience, practical organisational approaches include  flexible working arrangements, stress-management resources, professional counselling, peer-support networks and inclusive management practices. Importantly, employees must feel supported, particularly by senior management [22].

At WOAH headquarters in Paris, the implementation of a quality work–life initiative illustrates a proactive shift from recognising psychosocial risks to actively addressing them through structured workplace support. The Organisation introduced a 24/7 external psychological support hotline as an important first step. However, its limitations highlighted the need for more comprehensive internal support. In response, WOAH established a new internal mechanism in late 2024: a network of psychosocial support contacts. These seven trained staff members provide first-line support to colleagues experiencing distress. All attended a dedicated training workshop focused on fostering emotional safety in the workplace. When staff feel psychologically safe, they are more likely to raise concerns early, before stress escalates into crisis [23].

The importance of creating a safe space

Emotional distress in the workplace can stem from many sources, such as heavy workloads, interpersonal tensions, miscommunication or lack of communication between managers and team members. Individuals may at times feel undervalued or disconnected from their purpose, feeding into feelings of stress and burnout. To illustrate the importance of emotional safety in the workplace, one WOAH colleague who reached out to a psychosocial support contact shared the following: ‘I’m not doing well. I’ve received some emails from my manager that have really brought me down – it’s knocked my morale to zero. Are you available today to talk? I feel completely lost and don’t know how to react.’ Another colleague later expressed appreciation after meeting with the support contact: ‘Thank you for your time. I feel much better after having talked with you’. These messages* show the psychosocial impact of workplace pressures, including the effect of managerial communication on morale and clarity. Having a trusted and confidential support system encourages staff to seek help early.

United Nations system strategy on mental health and well‑being

Recognising that United Nations (UN) staff are vulnerable to stress and mental ill health, the UN has developed a mental health strategy focused on prevention. It aims to embed mental health support in workplace policies and leadership practices, adapt approaches to the diversity of staff and situations, and emphasise that managers – as well as staff – have a role to play in prevention [24].

Towards a healthier and more resilient veterinary workforce

Improving mental health in the veterinary workforce requires coordinated action – from recognising patterns of distress to strengthening workplace support systems. As evidence of burnout and psychosocial strain grows across regions and demographic groups, the need for structured, compassionate organisational responses becomes clear. By investing in prevention, creating emotionally safe workplaces and equipping teams to support one another, the veterinary sector can make meaningful steps towards a healthier and more resilient workforce. 

*Consent was verbally given. Psychosocial support contacts have the obligation to safeguard confidentiality, unless the colleague consents to reporting an issue. 

If you have been affected by the topics discussed in this article, support is available. You can find free and confidential helplines in your region at https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp. 

Main image: ©Getty Images/Clipart

References

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