Are Veterinarians at Risk for Suicide?

Suicide rates are elevated in the veterinary profession in several countries, yet little is known about possible contributory and preventive factors.  A recent interview study published in Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention was designed to obtain information from veterinarians with a history of suicidal ideation or behavior about the factors associated with suicidality in their profession.  The researchers conducted a mixed-methods interview study with 21 UK veterinarians who had attempted suicide or reported recent suicidal ideation. Interview topics included work and nonwork contributory factors, coping mechanisms, and preventive factors. Results showed that self-poisoning was the most common method used or considered by participants. Common contributory factors were workplace relationships, career concerns, patient issues, number of hours and volume of work, and responsibility, although two-thirds of participants reported co-occurring difficult life events. Around half had received a psychiatric diagnosis following their suicidal behavior. Several possible preventive measures were suggested by participants. The authors conclused that several work- and non-work-related contributory factors to suicidality in the veterinary profession were identified. Future preventive measures may involve better promotion of support services, formal support for recent graduates, and improving employers’ attitudes toward work-life balance.

For the abstract

Comments

[Laden Greg]

It doesn't sound like the question...why veterinarians?...was addressed. Which is interesting. Perhaps they live in a subculture that ma have numerous features that would not emerge in a study focused on identifying straight forward causes.

[Romeo Vitelli]

I think the focus was on their access to lethal chemicals. It's hard to say whether this is a new development or something that has been going on for a while.

[Bill Shields]

Interesting article. I knew some good (http://www.EAC-AZ.com) emergency veterinarians, then they retired. I don't think they were at risk for suicide though. But that could have been just them, and not the job itself. People in Gilbert can be very resistant sometimes.

[jessesToons]

Wow, I'm not sure what to say about this article. I never would have guessed these were possibilities. I had actually earlier been researching emergency veterinarians Gilbert. I have a pup that inst' doing well and I want to find an emergency vet that I can have on call for the little guy. Like I said this article totally took me by surprise it was a good read though.

[Brad Hoss]

I just hope that my main (http://lonepeakvet.com) veterinarian over in Salt Lake City won't contribute to whatever statistics that say these people are at risk for suicide. He's been good to my animals, and I want him to stay around.

[Veterinarian in Mesa, AZ]

I actually never thought about it like this. I thought that was more of an issue for dentists. It's amazing how a career can affect you like that.

[Sean Valjean]

My veterinarian ajax mentioned this to me last week and it came as quite a shock to me because of the high levels of intelligence and cognition generally associated with vets. It would be great to see some studies done on this subject.

[Rod Lucas]

No I think your thinking of Dentists. But vet edmonton normally are happy with their lives.