Supporting Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession

Veterinary medicine is a deeply rewarding calling, but it carries unique challenges — including acute trauma, high-consequence clinical stress, compassion fatigue, and rural isolation. Drawing from lived experience and industry advocacy, Equi Epi Vet is committed to breaking the stigma around mental health, championing sustainable practice environments, and supporting peer-to-peer mental wellness across all stages of a veterinary career.

Advocacy & Lived Experience

Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and industry mentorship, Dr. Ed Annand shares open, vulnerable insights into navigating burnout, career transitions, and the psychological weight of critical decision-making in equine practice and public health. By promoting open dialogue, supportive leadership, and practical mental wellness tools, we aim to cultivate resilience and community across the profession.

Support Resources & Urgent Help Lines

If you or a colleague are experiencing distress, burnout, or a mental health crisis, immediate confidential support is available through these dedicated veterinary and community networks:

• AVA Vetlife Crisis Support: A 24/7 free, confidential telephone counselling service available to all Australian veterinarians, students, and staff.

  • Phone: 1300 687 327

  • Web: ava.com.au/member-services/vetlife

• Lifeline Australia: 24/7 national crisis support and suicide prevention services.

  • Phone: 13 11 14

  • Web: lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue: Mental health support, counseling, and peer community forums for anxiety and depression.

  • Phone: 1300 22 4636

  • Web: beyondblue.org.au

• Love Your Pet Love Your Vet: A registered charity dedicated to reducing suicide in the veterinary profession and providing mental health training.

  • Web: loveyourpetloveyourvet.com.au