MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
You cannot pour from an empty cup...
Being an RVT can be one of the most rewarding, engaging, challenging and fulfilling careers, but it can also be difficult, heartbreaking, and take an emotional toll.
Those who seek a career in veterinary medicine are compassionate, caring people, and are often dealing with the extreme highs and lows of others’ lives. RVTs and DVMs would not be able to do their job effectively if they could not relate and feel for their patients, but that level of empathy can also leave one open to the hurt and loss that inevitably comes with it.
Over time this can take a significant toll on one’s mental health and can, unfortunately, lead to compassion fatigue, burnout, depression and in some cases, suicide.
If you are struggling, know that you are not alone, and resources are available to help.
MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES IN CANADA
If you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room.
There are many mental health and emotional resources available. Some are government or non-profit organizations and associations, and others are veterinary specific.Â
Please know that help is always available, and you are not alone!
CANADA SUICIDE PREVENTION SERVICE
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (Available 24/7).
For residents of Québec, call 1 866 APPELLE (1.866.277.3553).
CRISIS SERVICES CANADA
Resources and support are available by region and geographic location.
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Call 1-833-456-4566 (Available 24/7) or Text 45645
HOPE FOR WELLNESS HELP LINE
Available to Indigenous peoples across Canada who need immediate help and crisis intervention.
Telephone and online counselling services are available in English and French. Upon request, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut telephone counselling is available.
Call 1-855-242-3310
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AIDÂ CANADA (MHFA)
A comprehensive list of resources and guides, which also include substance, mood, anxiety and trauma, psychotic, deliberate self-injury and eating-related disorders.
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MHFA also offers courses for individuals looking to help those experiencing a mental health problem or crisis.
VETERINARY SPECIFIC RESOURCES
Veterinary Organizations that Support Mental Health and Equal Rights Initiatives
NOT ONE MORE VET
Dr. Nicole McArthur created NOMV in 2014 after the tragic suicide of world-renowned veterinarian Dr. Sophia Yin.
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NOMV is a non-profit organization that provides education, support and resources to veterinarians and veterinary students.
All members of the veterinary community are supported through their international Facebook Forums, NOMV Vet, NOMV Support Staff, and NOMV Student.
PRIDEVMC
A non-profit organization that empowers, advocates and embraces inclusion and diversity for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community.
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All members of the veterinary health team are welcome to become members and support the initiatives and projects of PrideVMC.
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Resources, mental health and crisis links are available on their website.
CLIENT RESOURCES
Mental Health and Support Resources that are Available to the Public
IN THE KNOW
A mental health and literacy support program available for farmers and the agricultural community
Available on the Canadian Mental Health Association page, In the Know, is a program developed at the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph to educate and support the agricultural community.
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It is a four-hour workshop designed to build mental health knowledge and provide education on stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and starting conversations around mental health and well-being.
GATEWAY GRIEF SUPPORT
Pet Loss Support, Counsellors and Books
Gateway Pet Memorial Services offers support resources to clients when experiencing sadness, heartache and grief associated with the passing of their four-legged family member.
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Loss and bereavement counselling is available locally.