Suicide Among Veterinarians: What you can do to help yourself and others through difficult times.

Have you ever felt burnt out, alone, frustrated, or depressed? Ever wondered if things will ever get better or wondered if you could just end all of the fatigue once and for all? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! The majority of veterinary professionals experience depression, compassion fatigue, and suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, the suicide tendencies of veterinarians and those who work in veterinary medicine are extremely high. Specifically, about four times higher than the general population.

Don't give up, You are not alone, You matter Found at Unsplash

These past few weeks have been devastating to the veterinary field with the news of several veterinarians dying by suicide. Members of the community posted on social media to raise awareness of this discouraging and tragic issue. Many lost friends, colleagues, and partners.

Many have spoken up through adding a temporary frame to Facebook profile pictures to include the Not One More Vet logo to raise awareness of this issue.

Profile picture with the Not One More Vet frame

As members of the veterinary community, there are several things we can do to improve our own mental health and support others through their difficult times:

Seek Help

There are many resources for those who are struggling with mental illness, compassion fatigue, suicidal thoughts, and many more struggles. Groups such as Not One More Vet offer opportunities for those who are struggling to start conversations and get the help that they need. It is not a shameful thing to have a hard time. Everyone has their trials and their down times. Reaching out can save your life or the life of someone you love.

Reaching out for help. Found at Unsplash

Practice Self Care

The life of working in the field of veterinary medicine is a busy and selfless one. However, it is important to remember to take care of yourself. Do activities just for you. Do them because they’re good for you or simply because you want to. Make sure you are getting enough exercise and eating a balanced and healthy diet. Enjoy that ice cream! Eat your vegetables! Go on a walk or drive! If it is something that you enjoy doing, then do it! Many veterinary professionals spend so much time worrying about and caring for others, that they often forget to take care of themselves or excuse their personal needs as “less important”. However, it is very important to prioritize your own health and validate the feelings that you experience.

A healthy diet promotes a healthy life. Found at Unsplash

Be kind to yourself and others

We all have hard times and we all fail. In these hard times, it is important to be kind to yourself and others. Accidents happen and we can’t solve all of the world’s problems. While it is easy to criticize ourselves and others for falling short, it is vital that we don’t. Instead, acknowledge that you tried your best and made an honest effort to help. You did everything to help that animal or individual to the best of your ability. You must be positive and focus on the good instead of the heartbreaking failure. Now, I’m not saying that you should pretend that everything is all rainbows and butterflies and there is nothing wrong. That would be counter-productive. However, what I am saying, is that you can be sad and feel bad about something as long as you pick yourself up again afterwards and realize that you are valuable and are a beautiful part of this world. This world needs you in it.

Supporting each other. Found at Unsplash

The increased rate of suicidal thoughts and behavior among veterinarians and others working in the field of veterinary medicine is alarming. Due to perfectionist personalities; stress of personal and professional life; and difficulties of the job, veterinarian professionals‘ suicide rates exceed that of the general public by about four times. It is vital to take care of yourself and others. If you or someone you know is struggling or suffering from suicidal thoughts, please reach out. Help can be found at the Not One More Vet website or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 800-273-8255. Please reach out, get help, and lift others. You are needed.