PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF GRIEF ON THE VETERINARIAN

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the psychological impacts of grief in the practice of the veterinarian. The complex affective relationship between professionals, patients, and guardians makes the management of death (natural or euthanasia) a challenge. It was investigated how the frequent experience of death affects mental health and which psychological factors contribute to grief. The quantitative and descriptive research used an online form with 18 questions, applied to 37 veterinarians in São Paulo. The results reveal that the absence of academic preparation to deal with death, added to the dependence on informal support, intensifies emotional exhaustion and compassion fatigue, showing how the grieving process directly impacts these professionals