Mental Health Matters in Vet Med

September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, offering a meaningful opportunity to promote mental health resources, strengthen community support, and reinforce the wellbeing of veterinary professionals. 

Veterinary professionals dedicate their lives to caring for animals with compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment. Supporting their mental health and wellbeing is essential to sustaining that dedication. By fostering a culture of care, encouraging open conversations, and providing access to meaningful resources, we can help veterinary teams thrive, this month and every day. 

As the American Veterinary Medical Association reminds us: 

“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.” 

Resources for Vetcor Team Members 

We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our teams. Our resources include: 

Vetcor’s Employee Assistance Programs – As a part of Team Vetcor, you have access to comprehensive wellbeing benefits, including mental health support through Lyra Health in the U.S. and Telus Health via Manulife in Canada. 

Vetcor University – A dynamic and expanding library of courses designed to support the personal and professional well-being of every Vetcor team member. It’s also a powerful platform that reflects our deep commitment to mental health. We offer several courses that directly support mental health and suicide prevention, including: 

• Crisis Response: Preparing leaders to navigate crises while keeping team wellbeing at the center. 
• Notice & Respond: Skills for recognizing when team members are struggling and responding appropriately. 
• Navigating Wellbeing Resources: Helping leaders confidently connect team members to Vetcor’s wellness offerings. 
• Introduction to Lyra: How to access and use Lyra’s mental health coaching, therapy, and self-care tools. 
• Mental Health: Open and Supportive Culture: Practical ways to normalize conversations, reduce stigma, and create a safe environment. 

Collaboration Circles – You have opportunities to connect with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of veterinary work through VetLife, TechLife, and HMLife. 

If you’re part of Team Vetcor, we encourage you to explore these tools or reach out to your hospital or regional manager for more information. Support is always available. 

Resources for the Broader Veterinary Community 

For those inside and outside of Vetcor, there are powerful organizations working to uplift veterinary professionals: 

Not One More Vet (NOMV) – Offers peer support, crisis intervention, and mental health education tailored to veterinary professionals. NOMV’s Lifeboat program and online support groups are especially impactful. 

Visit: https://nomv.org 

American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Provides a wide range of wellbeing resources, including self-assessment tools, webinars, and guidance for creating a culture of care in veterinary practices. 

Explore: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing 

National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call or Text 988 – This is the primary phone number for suicide prevention and crisis support in the US and Canada. These services are available 24/7 via call or text and connect individuals with a trained counselor.  

Visit: https://988lifeline.org/ 

You’re Not Alone 

Whether you’re a veterinarian, technician, receptionist, or student, your mental health matters. This month, let’s commit to checking in with ourselves and each other. Share a resource. Start a conversation. Offer a listening ear. 

Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate veterinary community.