If you’re feeling overwhelmed, resources are available at www.nomv.org and www.mentorvet.net.
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, our team wants to acknowledge the mental health struggles veterinarians face.
While they devote themselves to caring for animals, veterinarians often experience a unique set of challenges that put them at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. With suicide rates for veterinarians far exceeding the general population, this issue demands urgent attention. Today, we raise awareness about this crisis and explore how we can better support those in the veterinary profession.
What the stats say
Veterinarians are often viewed as professionals working in a fulfilling and noble profession. Yet behind the scenes, many grapple with mental health challenges. The profession carries a high emotional toll, financial strain, and ethical dilemmas that many find difficult to manage.
The root causes of the crisis
Veterinarians are faced with unique challenges that are less common in other professions.
- They experience emotional strain from euthanizing animals
- They struggle with financial stress due to overwhelming student debt
- They face ethical dilemmas when pet owners can't afford care
These factors, compounded by long work hours and high client expectations, make veterinarians particularly vulnerable to depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Additionally, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) in 2019, veterinarians often enter the field with perfectionistic tendencies, which further exacerbate feelings of inadequacy when patient outcomes aren’t ideal. This perfectionism, paired with access to euthanasia drugs, can create a dangerous combination for those already struggling with mental health issues.
Startling statistics
The statistics reveal just how widespread these issues are.
According to a CDC study, veterinarians are between 2 to 4 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.
In a survey of 11,000 veterinarians in the U.S., 31% reported experiencing depression at some point in their career, and 17% admitted to having suicidal thoughts.
In Canada, the U.K., Australia, and Germany, the numbers are equally concerning, with many professionals reporting high levels of stress and burnout. Nearly 70% of veterinarians have lost a colleague or peer to suicide, a sobering figure that underscores the severity of the issue.
The impact on veterinary students
Veterinary students are not immune to these pressures. In fact, they often experience higher levels of stress than peers in other fields.
One study found that over 66% of veterinary students in North America showed signs of mild to moderate depression.
Reports also indicate that nearly one-third of these students have contemplated suicide, highlighting the mental health challenges that begin even before entering the profession.
Addressing the crisis
The veterinary community is becoming more vocal about mental health, and efforts are being made to provide support. Organizations like MentorVet and Not One More Vet offer resources and mentorship to struggling veterinarians, helping them cope with the emotional demands of the profession.
Many universities and clinics are also implementing mental health initiatives to reduce burnout and support wellbeing. Programs such as workplace wellbeing check-ins, access to mental health counselors, and peer support groups are vital in addressing the crisis and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health in veterinary medicine.
The way forward
The increased focus on mental health resources is a positive step toward addressing the crisis. By fostering open dialogue, offering mentorship, and providing mental health resources tailored specifically to veterinarians, the profession can work toward a healthier future.
Veterinarians, students, and their colleagues are not alone and help is available.
This blog was inspired by the important work and insights from the veterinary community, including Dr. Dave Nicol’s original blog post on this subject. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to seek support through organizations like Not One More Vet or MentorVet.
*sources
Silent Suffering: The High Rate of Suicide in Veterinarians | Psychology Today | Nov 17, 2023
Why suicide rates are high among veterinary professionals |NPR Health | Dec 19, 2023
These Veterinary Mental Health Statistics Will Change The Way You See The Profession | Dr. David Nichol | Date N/A
Merck Animal Health’s Fourth Veterinary Wellbeing Study Indicates Progress in Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Veterinary Teams | Merck Animal Health | Jan 15, 2024
The Mental Health Crisis in Veterinary Medicine | Veterinarians International | June 4, 2024