Strong evidence exists that altruism is good for mental health. Although veterinary medicine by nature is a helping profession, the stresses of compassion fatigue, client demands, and an overwhelming schedule often negatively affect well-being. Volunteering outside of work in areas where the difference you make is tangible can be a powerful boost.
The Benefits of Volunteering for Equine Veterinarians
In a 2022 article for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Trish Lockard wrote, “Whether you are a family member or caregiver for someone with a mental health condition—or have the lived experience yourself—volunteering can be a positive step toward improving your health and yield many benefits.” A 2020 study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies “found those who volunteered reported being more satisfied with their lives and rated their overall health as better. Respondents who volunteered for at least one month also reported having better mental health than those who did not volunteer.”
If you feel lost, volunteering can give you a new sense of purpose outside of veterinary medicine. Dedicating time to a cause helps you enlarge your world in a new direction and find meaning in something unrelated to your career. It can also take your mind off your own troubles while keeping you mentally stimulated. As Tyler Primavera, DVM, wrote in Today’s Veterinarian, “Veterinary medicine is a field full of givers. We give our time, energy, money and, at times, sanity to relieve suffering, improve a patient’s life, and protect the human-animal bond. Unfortunately, we often spread ourselves too thin. Very often. Volunteering is tremendous because it helps broaden your perspective, increase your gratitude, and overcome burnout.”
Access to Volunteer Opportunities
Banfield Pet Hospital recently published a survey with more than 2,000 respondents, of which almost a quarter reported having access to paid volunteering opportunities, something Banfield provides for its employees. Forty percent said they consider volunteering a crucial self-care tool, and almost half said volunteering made them happier and improved their mental well-being. A third said volunteering reduced their stress, which is important because 80% said current events in the world are harming their sense of well-being.
Volunteer Ideas for Equine Veterinarians
Volunteer opportunities are all around. Coaching a kids’ sports team, being a Scout leader, working at a soup kitchen or food bank, serving as treasurer or on the vestry for your church, or serving on a committee or the board of your local, state, or national veterinary association are all ways to contribute. Building with Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up trash on a roadside, cooking dinner for your local volunteer fire department, or knitting hats for a cancer center all contribute to your community in a positive way. Within the veterinary world, Equitarian trips or work on Native American reservations allow you to use your skills to help animals in need in less fortunate areas. Teaching skills to early career veterinarians and providing quality mentorship can also uplift you.
Final Thoughts
“My perspective changed completely when I handed out soup,” said Primavera about his work at the soup kitchen. “I went from a world of medicine, safety, and employment to one of drugs, danger, and poverty. The white linoleum floor was replaced by neglected concrete. Conversations about pet vaccines and diets had changed to discussions about food, warmth, and tents. My anxieties about medicine, business, and student loans evaporated when I confronted the stark realities of homelessness. My mental health suffers most when I’m stuck in a mindset or situation. Handing out soup helped shift my perspective. When we move our focus from perceived hopelessness to helping others, we can accomplish amazing things and feel reinvigorated.”
When you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or anxious about the world, consider volunteering. It can be a powerful medicine!
Related Reading
- Disease Du Jour: Equitarian Service Opportunities
- Commentary: The Benefits of Joining Your Association’s Executive Board
- AAEP Commission on Veterinary Sustainability: Supporting Equine Veterinary Students
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