I had a full-on meltdown at work today.

After two days of deep-breathing my way through a heightened sense of anxiety, all it took was me feeling like I was out of my depth and had once again made the wrong recommendation in trying to aspirate a suspected mass in the left anal sac of a sedated patient. With three of the clinic staff watching, I burst into tears.

Everyone was so kind.

My technician reached out to reassure me and told me it was okay to cry.

My ward nurse - the lovely woman we call Mama - gave me a hug and told me that I was their sweetheart and that they loved me.

My other ward nurse told me this was the first time she'd seen me break down and she's seen everyone do it. She told me to cry it out and that it was okay.

Another technician gave me a big hug and told me that this was my body's way of saying that it had enough, that I needed to do what was necessary to take care of myself.

One of my bosses sat me down, blocked off the rest of my day, and told me that any time I needed to talk - whether at work, over a coffee, whatever I needed - she was there for me.

Two of the staff members went to buy me a drink and a bunch of goodies from the shop around the corner to share with everyone at the clinic.

My other boss sat me down, apologized for not being good at pep talks, but reiterated that he would have done everything I did for my patient who passed away, that he thinks I am a good veterinarian and he values how dedicated I am to the job and my patients. He told me he is always available for a drink, a coffee, or dinner, and that if I am dreading coming to work at any point, he needs to know so he can help me.

Everyone reacted positively to me saying I had started therapy to help with my lack of sleep, that it was a culmination of some grief and guilt over my grandma along with some difficult and sad cases.

They were all so kind and made me feel so supported.

I am so lucky to work here.