Rahib K Islam ¹ Emily K Cobb ² Hannah K Mccowan ³ Kylie Watson ⁴ Kaustuv Bhattacharya ^5,6 Anjali Chandra ⁷ Warda Mohiuddin ⁸ Karen Gruszynski ^4,9 Amanda H Wilkerson ¹⁰ John J Dascanio ¹¹ Robert E Davis ¹² Vinayak K Nahar ^13,3*

• ¹ LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, Louisiana State University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
• ² Department of Pathology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
• ³ Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, United States
• ⁴ Center for Animal and Human Health in Appalachia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, United States
• ⁵ Department of Pharmacy Administration, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Connecticut, United States
• ⁶ Center for Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, United States
• ⁷ Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, United States
• ⁸ William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harrisburg, United States
• ⁹ College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
• ¹⁰ Department of Health Science, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
• ¹¹ School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, Amarillo, Texas, United States
• ¹² Substance Use and Mental Health Laboratory, Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Fayatteville, United States
• ¹³ Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine/John D. Bower School of Population Health, Jackson, United States

Veterinary students face significant challenges impacting their mental health and well-being. The rigorous academic curriculum, high expectations, and demanding clinical training create an environment of intense pressure and constant stress. This review explores the demographic and psychosocial variables influencing mental health outcomes, highlighting common stressors and coping strategies.A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, CAB Abstracts, and Google Scholar. Studies published up to 2021 involving veterinary students were included. Twenty-one peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Demographic data, stressors, mental health measures, and coping strategies were extracted and analyzed. Studies focused on various mental health aspects, including stress, anxiety, depression, and coping mechanisms. The final selection was based on relevance, quality, and comprehensiveness.The reviewed studies indicated that rigorous academic demands, high expectations, and clinical training contribute to elevated stress levels among veterinary students. Women reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to men, necessitating gender-specific interventions. Social support and relationship quality were crucial for mental well-being, with students in supportive environments experiencing lower stress. Effective coping strategies included exercise and social activities; whereas, harmful behaviors like substance misuse exacerbated mental health issues. Despite using mental health services, barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness hindered access for some students.The findings underscore the need for targeted support systems to enhance the mental health and resilience of veterinary students. Interventions to promote healthy coping mechanisms, reduce stigma, and improve access to mental health resources are essential. Veterinary schools should prioritize creating a supportive environment to ensure students can manage the demands of their profession while maintaining their mental health and well-being.