Health and wellbeing

We want to see veterinarians practising at their best.

To support you to thrive in practice and protect your health and wellbeing, we have gathered the following resources and information for you. If you know of other resources that would be good to share, please contact us, so that we can add them too.

Supporting mental health

We believe that the best way to support and improve mental health in the veterinary professions is through collaboration and a shared purpose. To support this, we have published The Veterinary Teams Mental Health Framework, which is designed to lay the groundwork for a collaborative, whole-of-profession initiative to improve veterinary team wellbeing.

Download the Framework

The Framework now forms the basis for the Wellbeing Workstream of Vet Futures Aotearoa, which we are a proud contributor to.

When to talk to us about your health

If you are struggling, or need support, you can always contact VCNZ and we’ll do what we can to help or at least point you in the right direction.

If things get to a point where your health, or a colleague’s health, may be affecting your practice as a vet, we may need to get involved and you should contact us to discuss what to do. Our approach is rehabilitative, we’re not here to punish people for being unwell, and we always try to work with veterinarians to help them practise safely. If you’re unsure or worried, you can contact us for an informal, confidential discussion.

Protecting and promoting mental health

VCNZ resources

Mentorloop is a platform that connects you with a mentor.
Vitae: free confidential counselling for all veterinarians (call 0508 664 981 anytime).
Our Mindfulness web app has a collection of resources to help with mindfulness and dealing with stress.

Resources and guidance

The Mental Health Foundation has a wealth of resources and advice related to mental health and wellbeing
All right? has articles and guidance on giving your wellbeing a boost.
The NZVA wellbeing hub (members only) offers a large range of wellbeing and mental health resources.
Self-compassion.org is a website run by Dr Kristin Neff, a leader in the study of self-compassion. It has a range of resources to help train and develop self-compassion.

Courses and learning

Whakatau Mai | The Wellbeing Sessions provide free, online wellbeing sessions in real time (CPD eligible!).
Staying on track is a free, online course to help cope with stress during difficult times.
Know your Mindset. Do what Matters. is training for rural people managing change.

Apps and platforms

The Mindfulness web app has a collection of resources to help with mindfulness and dealing with stress.
Mentemia is a digital wellbeing coach in your pocket. It’s currently free for the NZ public.
Melon is an online programme (including an online community) that focuses on empowering users to take control of their health.
Small Steps is a collection of digital tools to help you progressively improve your wellbeing.

Where to get help for yourself

Vitae: free confidential counselling for all veterinarians (call 0508 664 981 anytime).
If you need to talk, you can call or text 1737 at anytime, day or night (more info).
Helplines (all free):
- Depression 0800 111 757
- Alcohol & drug 0800 787 797
- Gambling 0800 654 655
- Lifeline 0800 543 354
- Samaritans 0800 726 666
- Chinese Lifeline (for people who speak Mandarin or Cantonese) 0800 888 880
The Ministry of Health has information and resources on how to cope with mental illness, including specific guidance on a range of issues.
Depression.org.nz has an abundance of information about depression and anxiety including self-tests and resources for getting better and finding help.
Helpline offers free 24/7 help from a registered nurse. Call 0800 611 116.
Alcohol.org.nz has an online test to check whether your drinking is okay.

Supporting others

Information and resources

If you are worried that someone is suicidal, ask them. It could save their life. If someone has attempted suicide or you are worried about their immediate safety, call your local mental health crisis assessment team and 111 if there is immediate physical danger. More information is available from the Ministry of Health.
Depression.org.nz](https://www.depression.org.nz) has information on how to start a conversation and support someone who might be dealing with depression or anxiety.
Open Minds e-learning helps people managers to support employees experiencing mental distress at work.
LifeKeepers offers a free, national suicide prevention training programme.