Beating the Winter Blues: How You Can Protect Your Well-Being During the Toughest Season

Winter can be a magical time—snowflakes, cozy sweaters, and holiday lights. But for many veterinarians, it’s also one of the hardest seasons of the year. Between long nights, holiday stress, financial pressures, and a rise in euthanasias, the winter months can take a heavy emotional toll.

If you’re feeling more drained than festive, you’re not alone. Here’s how to recognize the winter blues—and some real ways to fight back.

The Emotional Weight of Winter

The veterinary profession is already demanding year-round, but winter tends to amplify stress. Cold weather often brings more illness and injuries for pets, clients are juggling holiday chaos, and practices may see an uptick in euthanasias before or after the holidays.

Add to that: fewer daylight hours, disrupted routines, and sometimes strained personal finances or relationships—and it’s a perfect storm for compassion fatigue and seasonal depression.

“We’re trained to care for others, but winter reminds us just how important it is to care for ourselves too,” says Dr. [Name], a small animal veterinarian and mental wellness advocate.

1. Recognize the Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Feeling sluggish, irritable, or unmotivated? Losing interest in things you usually enjoy? These can be signs of seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression triggered by reduced sunlight.

What can help:

• Use a light therapy lamp in the morning.

• Try to get 15–30 minutes of natural light daily, even if it’s just during lunch.

• Move your body regularly—gentle yoga, walking, or stretching between appointments can make a big difference.

2. Set Emotional Boundaries During the Holidays

Veterinary teams often feel the emotional impact of holiday euthanasias deeply. Clients may delay or rush decisions based on travel or family schedules, which can make an already heartbreaking situation more complicated.

What can help:

• Give yourself permission to feel grief.

• Take a few minutes to step outside, breathe, or regroup after a difficult case.

• If you’re a manager or lead tech, normalize check-ins with your team—asking, “How are you doing after that?”can go a long way.

3. Say No Without Guilt

The holidays bring extra social pressure—office parties, family gatherings, volunteer events—but saying “no” can be a form of self-preservation.

If your schedule is full or your energy is low, protect your downtime. Use it for rest, hobbies, or time with loved ones who help you recharge.

4. Find Joy in the Small Stuff

Winter can feel heavy, but small moments of joy can lift the weight.

• Warm up with your favorite coffee before morning rounds.

• Play your go-to playlist during commute hours.

• Decorate your workspace with twinkle lights or photos of your pets and patients.

Joy doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be consistent.

5. Don’t Go It Alone

Veterinary medicine can feel isolating, especially in winter when social interaction decreases. Lean on your colleagues, mentors, or friends who “get it.”

If you find the sadness or stress becoming overwhelming, reach out for professional support.

6. Plan for Something to Look Forward To

Having something on the calendar—a weekend getaway, a CE trip, or even a personal day—can help break up the monotony and give you a sense of anticipation. Sometimes, just planning something positive helps you push through the darker weeks.

The Takeaway

Veterinary medicine is a profession built on compassion, but compassion starts with caring for yourself. This winter, make it your mission to protect your mental health as fiercely as you protect your patients.

It’s okay to slow down, to rest, and to reach out for help. The world—and your patients—need you at your best.