The Hidden Cost of Masking

Vet Mentorship

Oct 8

Mental Health, Isolation, and Relationships

For many veterinarians, hiding parts of themselves - masking - to fit professional expectations can seem necessary and even protective. But research shows this self-suppression has real costs. Suppressing personal struggles or identity can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.

The more energy spent hiding, the less there is for real connection, creativity, or self-care. Over time, masking can lower self-esteem and create a lasting fear of being "found out," called imposter syndrome.

Isolation is another consequence, but it is deeply connected to the mental health risks created by masking. When you filter your words and actions to avoid judgment, relationships can feel superficial, and loneliness can grow, even in a packed clinic. This is especially true for those with marginalized identities or past experiences of discrimination.

Often, systemic factors, such as the unrelenting workload expectations and lack of open communication from leadership, perpetuate a culture where silence and performance take precedence over genuine interaction. Leaders can play a pivotal role in reversing these norms by modeling openness themselves and initiating regular check-ins with their teams. This approach not only encourages transparency but also helps to alleviate the burden of 'performing,' making it easier for staff to seek support and be vulnerable, and ultimately fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Deciding When and How to Be Authentic

Choosing when and how to show your true self is not easy. Many veterinarians have felt pressure to fit in, both subtle and obvious. Check for safety and trust before opening up, especially if past stigma makes being open feel risky.
**Ask yourself:**
· Whose expectations am I meeting?
· What could happen if I share more openly?
· Have I seen others be vulnerable here?

Observe the environment's receptiveness, such as observing reactions to others' openness. Notice if colleagues who express vulnerability receive support or if their openness is met with silence or criticism. Gathering these insights can help you navigate authenticity at work with greater confidence.

Being authentic does not mean sharing everything with everyone. Taking small steps, like telling a trusted colleague about a challenge, can build confidence and shift how you see yourself. The choice is yours, and waiting until you feel safe is valid self-care.

The Power of Community and Allies

**No one changes alone.** Healing and authenticity grow in supportive groups. Veterinary professionals who join affinity groups based on identity, values, or common experience often feel better and more connected.
Examples of such groups include the Pride Veterinary Medical Community (PrideVMC), which offers a safe space and support for LGBTQ+ individuals in the veterinary field.

The Multicultural Veterinary Medical Association (MCVMA) provides networking opportunities for veterinarians from diverse backgrounds, and Pawsbilities Vet Med supports individuals from historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Additionally, MentorVet Connect Brought to you by AVMA is a free resource that pairs early-career veterinarians in their first 10 years and trained mentors.

Allies matter too. Those who support and validate others taking the risk to be authentic help make workplaces safer. Two actions show this support:

· First, interrupt dismissive jokes or comments to create inclusivity.

· Second, amplify marginalized voices during discussions so that more perspectives are heard.

These steps turn good intentions into real inclusion.

Sometimes, the best support is simply being seen and accepted. As more people in veterinary medicine embrace openness, the culture shifts. It becomes safer for everyone to bring their full selves to work.

Toward a Profession Where All Parts Belong

Authenticity is an ongoing process, **not a one-time act.** Small acts of courage, such as joining a peer group, sharing a story, or supporting a colleague, make a difference. When we stop hiding and choose real connection, the rewards are deep relationships, better well-being, and a profession where everyone belongs.

References

Armitage-Chan, E. (2020). 'I wish I was someone else': Complexities in identity formation and professional wellbeing in veterinary surgeons. Veterinary Record, 187(3), 113. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.m3556

Armitage-Chan, E., & May, S. A. (2018). Identity, environment and mental wellbeing in the veterinary profession. Veterinary Record, 183(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.k3147

Advances in Small Animal Care. (2023). Early Career Veterinary Well-being and Solutions to Help. Advances in Small Animal Care, 4(1), 135–147. https://www.advancesinsmallanimalcare.com/article/S2666-450X(23)00010-X/fulltext

AVMA. (2024). Veterinary profession heading in right direction with mental health. AVMA News. https://www.avma.org/news/veterinary-profession-heading-right-direction-mental-health

Cake, M. A., et al. (2021). Cross-sectional study of depressive symptoms, burnout, and attitudes toward seeking mental health care among veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand. Australian Veterinary Journal, 99(11), 456–463. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13145

Connolly, C. E., Norris, K., Dawkins, S., & Martin, A. (2022). Barriers to mental health help-seeking in veterinary professionals working in Australia and New Zealand: A preliminary cross-sectional analysis. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 1051571. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.1051571

Pohl, R., Botscharow, J., Böckelmann, I., & Thielmann, B. (2022). Stress and strain among veterinarians: A scoping review. Irish Veterinary Journal, 75(15). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-022-00220-x

Scholz, E., & Trede, F. (2023). Veterinary professional identity: Conceptual analysis and location in a practice theory framework. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 10, 1041475. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1041475

Timmenga, F. S., Jansen, W., Turner, P. V., & De Briyne, N. (2022). Mental well-being and diversity, equity, and inclusiveness in the veterinary profession: Pathways to a more resilient profession. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.888189

Lori D'Alessandro, LCSW

Lori is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) passionate about helping individuals navigate trauma and reclaim their wellbeing. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from George Mason University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Trauma at Regent University. Her dissertation will focus on protective and resiliency factors for enhancing psychological wellbeing in the veterinary profession.

Specializing in PTSD and trauma recovery, she integrates a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Attachment Theory. Her holistic approach recognizes the deep connection between mental and physical wellbeing, empowering clients to create lasting, positive changes in their lives.

The Hidden Cost of Masking