• Provides Practical, Research-Based Tools to Manage Stress in Veterinary Practice

    Veterinary professionals face high levels of stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, yet few resources offer practical, in-the-moment strategies for relief. Managing Stress in Veterinary Medicine provides actionable tools to recognize and regulate stress as it happens. This real-world guide explains the neurobiological mechanisms of stress—particularly within the veterinary context—and discusses why traditional coping methods often fall short.

    Presenting evidence-based insights and easy-to-apply exercises, the book empowers readers to better understand their emotional and physiological responses. The book explores the realities of burnout, communication challenges, and decision-making pressures, and equips readers with strategies they can immediately implement in the clinic to build resilience and well-being. Grounded in neuroscience and clinical research, Managing Stress in Veterinary Medicine:

    • Presents quick, effective regulation techniques to manage emotional reactivity during demanding clinical moments
    • Translates current research on burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma into clear, applicable guidance
    • Offers structured approaches for improving communication, decision-making, and connection within veterinary teams
    • Features practical exercises to strengthen resilience and nurture personal and professional fulfillment
    • Encourages long-term cultural change within clinics by fostering awareness, empathy, and proactive mental health practices within veterinary teams

    Managing Stress in Veterinary Medicine is essential reading for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and practice managers. It supports learners in veterinary school or continuing education programs, and is a valuable resource for any veterinary professional seeking to improve mental health and workplace culture.

  • Foreword xiii

    Preface xv

    Acknowledgements xviii

    PART 1 Introduction

    1 Introduction 3

    2 Utilizing This Book 7

    3 Special Populations 19

    PART 2 Mental Health and Well-being

    4 Vulnerabilities 29

    5 Mental Well-Being in the Veterinary Field 39

    6 Mental Health in the Veterinary Field 50

    7 Unhealthy Coping Strategies 55

    8 Suicide 60

    9 Barriers to Treatment 65

    PART 3 Nervous System

    10 Your Nervous System 71

    11 Well-Being from a Nervous System Perspective: Tying It All Together 86

    12 Moving from Reaction to Settled 92

    13 Shared Emotional States 98

    14 The Skeptic 102

    PART 4 Building Workplace Well-Being

    15 Knowing Your Values and How They Can Impact Your Well-Being 107

    16 When Life Gives You Lemons....Just Notice them (Acceptance) 110

    17 Connection 116

    18 Communication 123

    19 Expectations 136

    20 Decision-Making 143

    21 Sleep 149

    22 Making It Through Difficult Times 153

    PART 5 Conclusion

    23 Application for the Future 167

    Appendix

    Appendix A: Skills List, 177

    Index 000

    .

  • Allison Johanson, LCSW

    Is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in stress management and resilience training for healthcare professionals, with a focus on veterinarians. She collaborates with organizations including the AVMA, CVMA, and Vetfolio to offer workshops and continuing education programs nationwide.

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