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Personal Wellness

Compassion fatigue and depression are true threats to the veterinary profession giving veterinarians the highest suicide rates of any profession. Therefore, it is so important to remember to take care of yourself first, before taking care of others. The resources below will help you care for yourself to you may better care for your patients.

If you are thinking of harming yourself, PLEASE, PAUSE and:
1) Call 911.
2) Call a suicide prevention line (800) 273-8255 or (800) 784-2433.
3) Talk to your friends or family…tell them you need their help.
4) Call a mental health care provider. Give them a chance to help you.
5) Join the AVMA Wellness Community.

Suicide Prevention

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 800-273-8255
    • Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
  • First Call – 816-361-5900
    • KC Metro help for anyone impacted by addiction. 24/7 phone consultation.
  • Therapist Locator
    • When it is time to find someone in your area. Pick the type of therapy you are looking for, your insurance, and your city or zip code for a list of therapists in your area.

Helpful Websites

Preventing Suicide, Building Resilience Webinar
The Pet Poison Helpline and AVMA Life have teamed up to co-sponsor webinars on a variety of topics pertaining to veterinary wellness. Together, they have brought us the Healthcare Provider Mental Health: Preventing Suicide and Building Resilience topic. Presentation slides also available for download.

Mind Matters Initiative Symposium Webinars
The Mind Matters Initiative was launched in 2015 in response to the need to support and better equip those in the veterinary sector who were facing stress related issues, helping to improve the mental health and well-being of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers and students.

SAVMA “It’s OK” video series
These videos were created to encourage veterinary professionals to share their struggles

Wellness and Peer Assistance AVMA

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