Some Days Feel Heavier Than Others

You know the ones. The euthanasia appointment ran long. The blocked cat’s owners couldn’t afford care. A “caution” note in a chart wasn’t enough to prevent a close call. You finally grabbed lunch at 4 p.m.—again—and tomorrow’s schedule is already overflowing.

This is veterinary medicine: a field filled with deep purpose, learning, and connection—but also one that demands a lot, emotionally, physically, and mentally. At Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale, we acknowledge the hard days. More importantly, we prioritize how to recover from them—together.

The Emotional Load of Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary professionals don’t just practice medicine. They manage grief. They counsel clients through difficult decisions. They regulate their own emotions while absorbing the stress of others.

When pet owners walk through our doors, they may be:

  • Terrified their pet won’t make it.
  • Stressed about how to afford care.
  • Overwhelmed by complex treatment options.
  • Frustrated that a treatment isn’t working.
  • Heartbroken seeing their pet in pain.
  • Unsure how to explain it all to their kids.

These emotions often manifest as fear, frustration, or even misplaced anger—directed at the very people trying to help. Veterinary staff must not only navigate their own responses but also de-escalate and support the emotions of everyone else in the room.

This constant emotional labor is one of the most underrecognized stressors in the profession—and one of the biggest reasons resilience matters.

Resilience Isn’t Just Pushing Through—It’s Recovering Well

Resilience doesn’t mean suppressing emotions or pretending everything is fine. It means:

  • Recognizing when a tough case is affecting you.
  • Having tools to process difficult experiences.
  • Feeling safe to say, “Today was too much.”

Just like any clinical skill, resilience is something that must be learned, practiced, and supported by the work environment.

At Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale, we reject the “tough it out” mentality. We believe that emotional fatigue isn’t a weakness—it’s a sign of compassion. And like any challenge in vet med, it should be met with teamwork and support.

Practical Strategies for Building Resilience

1. Mental Health Support: Therapy Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Tool

Having a therapist is like having protective gear for your emotional well-being. While venting to friends and family helps, they may not fully understand the unique stressors of vet med.

We encourage our team to seek professional support and normalize mental health discussions. Programs like NOMV Peer Support and organizations like BetterHelp offer accessible, specialized support for veterinary professionals.

2. Peer Support: Debriefing Saves More Than Cases

Difficult cases shouldn’t be processed in isolation. Even a five-minute huddle after a tough euthanasia or high-stress emergency can help recalibrate and provide validation.

At our clinic, we check in with each other—because shared understanding makes a difference.

3. A Workplace That Prioritizes Well-Being

A resilient team is one that is supported—not overworked and left to cope alone. In our practice:

  • Breaks are real, not just theoretical.
  • PTO is honored, not discouraged.
  • “I need a minute” is always a valid request.
  • Mistakes are opportunities to learn, not reasons for shame.

We also encourage participation in resources like MentorVet and share mental health guides like this one from dvm360.

4. Physical Wellness: Caring for the Body Supports the Mind

Emotional well-being is directly tied to physical health. When basic needs like hydration, nutrition, and movement are neglected, stress and fatigue hit harder.

That’s why we focus on:

  • Hydration stations in the clinic.
  • Walking breaks whenever possible.
  • Boundaries around off-hours communication.
  • Encouraging staff to model and support healthy habits.

For additional wellness tips, check out resources like Staying Fit as a Vet Pro or Nutrition Tips for Vet Techs.

Why Open Conversations About Resilience Matter

Ignoring stress and emotional fatigue doesn’t make it go away—it makes it worse. Silence fuels burnout. A lack of support fuels turnover.

At Family Veterinary Care of Oakdale, we don’t just care about practicing great medicine—we care about the people practicing it. Resilience isn’t an individual burden. It’s a skill we build as a team.

Looking for a Workplace That Supports You?

If you’re a veterinary professional looking for a team that prioritizes well-being—not just with words, but with real systems and support—we’d love to meet you.

Explore our open roles →