Those who raise livestock often are under a great deal of pressure and stress. But so, too, are the veterinarians who also care for those animals.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association examined the mental and emotional well-being of more than 4,600 U.S. veterinarians.
Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, the study assessed the levels of burn-out, well-being, and mental health of veterinarians using scientific methods. It also compared those figures to those of non-veterinarians in the general population.
Among the findings were:
- Burnout and well-being of veterinarians were generally consistent with that of employed U.S. adults in general. However, younger veterinarians (<35 years of age) reported significantly higher levels of burnout than older practitioners (55-64 years of age).
- Just 8% of food animal veterinarians reported high or very high levels of burnout, compared to 20% of companion animal veterinarians.
- When assessing types of burnout, veterinarians rated exhaustion significantly higher than cognitive or emotional impairment and mental distance.
- Veterinarians scored higher than non-veterinarians on the core personality trait of neuroticism, which is associated with anxiety, negative emotions, irritability, depression, and self-doubt.
- Practitioners with higher levels of student debt had lower overall well-being scores.
- Those veterinarians who worked with a financial advisor, regardless of age or debt level, were less likely to suffer from serious psychological distress compared to those who did not have a relationship with a financial advisor.
- The percentage of veterinarians seeking treatment for mental health issues increased over the past 5 years from 15% to 25%.
- Consistent with the last 3 renditions of this study, work-life balance was found to be the leading predictor of low burnout, higher well-being, and good mental health.
- The top factors that were identified in achieving work-life balance were spending time with family, socializing with friends, exercising regularly, and routinely sleeping 8 hours per night.
“Dealing with sick and injured animals, emotionally fraught clients, and personal and professional financial pressure can be intense,” the study’s authors noted. “Making and taking time for wholesome and pleasurable experiences is as critical to success in veterinary medicine as mastering the latest diagnostic procedures.”
