Wellbeing resources for veterinary professionals
In this article:
- Discover AVMA tools and learning opportunities to build a culture of wellbeing in your workplace.
- Learn effective strategies for preventing or responding to a suicide.
- Find out what to do if you or someone you know needs help now.
Share with your team
Download this poster in color or black and white to post in your break room or other staff area.
The wellbeing of veterinary professionals remains a top priority for our profession and a key priority of the AVMA. Improving wellbeing is a shared responsibility that requires a committed effort by all members of our community. Practice teams, business owners, veterinary colleges, organizations, and individuals all have important roles to play.
If you believe you’re in crisis—or know someone who is—please get help now.
Creating a healthy workplace
Suicide prevention and support
On-demand learning
Get help now
Knowing when to reach out for help—and doing it—might be the most important part of your wellbeing plan. No one can do everything alone, and this is especially true where mental health is involved. If you believe that you’re in crisis, please get help immediately. These hotlines offer 24-hour support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. Call 988 or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s Crisis Chat team.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day information service for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project provides free, confidential 24/7 crisis support to LGBTQ young people struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQ identity, depression, and suicide.
DeafLEAD Crisis Line
DeafLEAD offers a 24-hour crisis line for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, their families, and anyone needing information on Deaf services.
Other resources
BlackLine
Peer support, counseling, reporting of mistreatment, witnessing, and affirming the lived experiences for those who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black Femme Lens.
Trans Lifeline
Peer support phone service for trans and questioning people run by trans people.
Warmlines directory
A warmline is a peer-run listening line staffed by people in mental health recovery. The warmlines in this directory are listed by state.
International statement on veterinary mental health and wellbeing
Working together to improve wellbeing across the veterinary community, AVMA and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) joined forces under the umbrella of Mind Matters International (MMI) to draft and approve a joint statement on mental health and wellbeing. It has been adopted by these organizations:
| AVMA RCVS Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Federation of Veterinarians of Europe World Small Animal Veterinary Association Veterinary Medical Association Executives British Veterinary Association | Space | Veterinary Council of New Zealand Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges Australian Veterinary Association American Association of Veterinary State Boards Veterinary Practice Board of Western Australia Australasian Veterinary Boards Council |
JOIN THE MMI COMMUNITY
Would your organization like to sign onto the MMI initiative? Get started with this application