Not long ago, a fellow veterinarian came to me, troubled and exhausted. He told me, “Biruin mo yung ibang mga batang vets kapag nangangarag ng ganyan. E ako matanda na ako, nagaganito pa ako.”
It was his way of saying: if even seasoned vets can still break down under the pressure, how much more the younger ones who are just starting?
The Hidden Downside of Practice
We often highlight the wins of veterinary medicine—the saved lives, the joyful pets, the thankful clients. But what we rarely talk about are the downsides. The quiet moments when the pressure builds so much that it seeps into your bones. The nights you lie awake replaying a case, or the mornings you dread walking into the clinic because you know all the stress and anger of clients will land on your shoulders.
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For many millennial and Gen X vets, the goal has always been simple: work hard, do good, and keep going. We were trained to be resilient, to carry everything like a carabao. But the truth is, no one can filter clients all the time. No one is immune from absorbing the rants, frustrations, and impossible expectations of pet owners. And the ending? Every complaint, every disappointment, every angry word—they pile up. Until you start questioning yourself.
Anxiety and Depression in Vets
Veterinary practice is beautiful, but it can also be cruel. What my colleague felt is not an isolated case. Many vets—young and old—battle with anxiety and depression in silence. They keep showing up for their patients, even when inside, they are breaking.
We need to acknowledge that being a vet is not all victories. There are deep struggles, too. Struggles that can shake even the strongest among us. And when unspoken, these struggles turn into mental health battles that eat away at our joy for the profession we once dreamed of.
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What We Can Do
If you are a vet reading this, know this: you are not alone. If you’ve ever felt the sting of burnout, the weight of failure, or the exhaustion of endless days, others feel it too. Talk to someone. Share your load. Protect your mental health the same way you protect the lives of your patients.
And to clients—remember, your vet is human. Behind the white coat is someone who sacrifices time, energy, and often their own well-being for the sake of your pet.
Veterinary medicine is not just about healing animals—it’s about carrying heavy stories, silent battles, and sometimes invisible wounds. And it’s about reminding ourselves that it’s okay not to be okay.
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Sharing this helps others understand what it really means to be a vet. Like and follow if you’re with us.
Dr. Geoff Carullo is a Fellow and the current President of the Philippine College of Canine Practitioners.
