I learned today that vets have some of the highest rates of suicide in the healthcare profession. Our vets are literally dying from compassion and empathy for our pets.
Several studies have identified a link between suicide and occupation. The rate of suicide in the veterinary profession has been pegged as close to twice that of the dental profession, more than twice that of the medical profession, and 4 times the rate in the general population. (Stoewen) Veterinarians have an increased risk for suicide compared with the general population, yet there is little consensus regarding why this might be. (Witte)
Veterinarians often face high levels of occupational stress due to the emotional burden of their work. They regularly deal with sick and dying animals, difficult interactions with pet owners, and the responsibility of making life-or-death decisions for their patients. The emotional toll of euthanizing animals and dealing with grief-stricken pet owners can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout, increasing the risk of mental health issues and suicide.
What Can We Do?
- Express Gratitude and Support:
- Be a good patient/customer. Show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of your veterinarian. A simple thank you, a positive review, or a heartfelt note can go a long way in boosting their morale. Expressing empathy and understanding for the emotional challenges they face can also make a big difference. Acknowledging their efforts and the impact they have on your pet’s life can provide a much-needed emotional lift.
- Advocate for Mental Health:
- Use your voice to advocate for the mental health of veterinarians. Share information about the high rates of suicide and mental health challenges in the veterinary profession on social media, and encourage others to do the same. Support initiatives and organizations that focus on veterinary mental health, and participate in awareness campaigns. By raising public awareness, you can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to recognize and address this critical issue.
- Support and Utilize Resources:
- Encourage your veterinarian to take advantage of mental health resources and support networks. If you know of organizations or programs that provide mental health services for veterinarians, share this information with them. Additionally, you can support legislation or policies aimed at improving mental health support for veterinary professionals by contacting your local representatives or participating in advocacy efforts.
By taking these steps, patients can help create a more supportive and understanding environment for veterinarians, ultimately contributing to better mental health and well-being for those in the profession.
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Stoewen DL. Suicide in veterinary medicine: let’s talk about it. Can Vet J. 2015 Jan;56(1):89-92. PMID: 25565722; PMCID: PMC4266064.
Witte TK, Correia CJ, Angarano D. Experience with euthanasia is associated with fearlessness about death in veterinary students. Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2013 Apr;43(2):125-38. doi: 10.1111/sltb.12000. Epub 2012 Dec 20. Erratum in: Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2014 Feb;44(1):111. PMID: 23278546.
Golden Retriever Puppies 