Veterinary medicine is often viewed as a rewarding career built on a passion for helping animals. However, research suggests that veterinary students face unique psychological challenges that can affect their well-being long before they enter professional practice.
In a study of more than 600 Australian university students, Lokhee and Hogg (2021) found that veterinary students reported significantly higher levels of study-related stress and greater self-stigma about seeking psychological help compared with students in other disciplines. Self-stigma refers to the negative beliefs people may hold about themselves if they seek support for mental health concerns.
Interestingly, while veterinary students did not report higher levels of depression symptoms than non-veterinary students, both stress and self-stigma were significant predictors of depressive symptoms within the veterinary student group. In other words, students who experienced greater stress and felt more negatively about seeking help were more likely to report symptoms of depression.
These findings highlight an important issue within veterinary education and the profession more broadly. The challenge is not only managing the academic and emotional demands of training but also addressing barriers that prevent students from accessing support when they need it.
Reducing stress and encouraging help-seeking may play an important role in supporting the well-being of veterinary students and future veterinarians. Creating a culture where mental health support is viewed as a normal part of professional development may benefit both individuals and the profession as a whole.
Depression, stress and self-stigma towards seeking psychological help in veterinary students. Australian Veterinary Journal, 99(6), 183–189.
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