How to Support Veterinary Team Members Experiencing Burnout: A Guide for Partners

By Gigi Tsontos

Veterinary medicine is rewarding—but it’s also one of the most stressful professions. Long hours, emotional strain, and high expectations can lead to burnout, affecting both work and personal life. If your spouse is a veterinarian, you may notice changes in their mood, energy, or engagement. Knowing how to support them can make a big difference.

1. Listen and Offer a Safe Space

Sometimes the best support is simply listening. Partners can provide a judgment-free environment where veterinarians feel heard and understood.

Tips:

• Ask open-ended questions: “How are you feeling today?”
• Avoid immediately offering solutions unless asked.
• Encourage short breaks and small acts of self-care.

Being present and validating feelings often helps more than trying to “fix” everything (Masten & Wright, 2010).

2. Talk About Stress Without Guilt

Workplace stress is common in veterinary medicine, but conversations about it can be tricky. Avoid making your partner feel guilty or pressured.

Try saying:

• “I’ve noticed you seem drained — how can I support you?”
• “Would you like to talk about what’s been most stressful?”

Gentle, curious questions make it easier for veterinarians to open up (Shanafelt & Noseworthy, 2017).

3. Help Explore Options and Boundaries

Veterinarians often feel trapped because they feel obligated to say “yes” to everything. Partners can gently help them explore options and boundaries without pressure.

Questions to consider:

• “What would make this more manageable?”
• “What boundaries would help you feel supported?”

Even small changes, like delegating tasks or taking mini-breaks, can improve well-being (Hatch, 2018).

4. Watch for Red Flags

Burnout sometimes signals the need for professional support or workplace changes. Key warning signs include:

• Withdrawal from hobbies or social life
• Persistent sleep, appetite, or mood changes
• Irritability, hopelessness, or feeling trapped
• Any talk of self-harm

If these appear, encourage counseling or workplace adjustments (Bartram & Baldwin, 2010).

5. Practical Steps for Partners

• Encourage use of workplace support programs.
• Support regular time off for rest and recovery.
• Suggest professional counseling if needed.
• Explore NOMV resources for guidance and strategies.

Your support can help your veterinarian spouse feel understood, empowered, and able to make changes to protect their mental health. Small, consistent actions often have the biggest impact.

 

Get Support and Resources

Supporting a veterinarian isn’t easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. NOMV offers resources and guidance to help partners and veterinary professionals navigate workplace stress and burnout. Visit NOMV Resources to learn more.

 

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References

Bartram, D. J., & Baldwin, D. S. (2010). Veterinary surgeons and suicide: A structured review of possible influences on increased risk. Veterinary Record, 166(13), 388–397. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.b3013

Hatch, P. (2018). Wellbeing in veterinary practice: Supportive measures for a healthy career. Veterinary Record, 183(10), 314–318. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.k3123

Masten, A. S., & Wright, M. O. (2010). Resilience over the lifespan: Developmental perspectives on resistance, recovery, and transformation. In J. W. Reich, A. J. Zautra, & J. S. Hall (Eds.), Handbook of adult resilience (pp. 14–39). Guilford Press.

Shanafelt, T. D., & Noseworthy, J. H. (2017). Executive leadership and physician well-being: Nine organizational strategies to promote engagement and reduce burnout. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(1), 129–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.10.004