When you take your cat to your vet, the last thing you probably think about is that this kind and compassionate person is at a higher than normal risk of suicide. The sad reality is that suicide in the veterinary profession is a growing concern.
A crisis that few people know of or understand
A 2019 CDC study was the first study to examine mortality rates among veterinarians in America. The study, which analyzed more than 11,000 veterinarian deaths that took place between 1979 and 2015, found that nearly 400 veterinarians died by suicide during the time period. The study also found that female vets are up to 3.5 times more likely to commit suicide than members of the general population, and that 1 in 6 veterinarians have considered suicide.
The profession attracts intelligent, driven people who, above all else, want to help and treat animals. But the reality is not all cute kittens and puppies.
A veterinary clinic is a high stress work environment. Clients who bring their sick pets are often stressed, and sometimes, the veterinarian and staff ends up being the target of pent up fear and frustration. The work environment is fast paced with few opportunities to take breaks. As a result, many veterinarians find it challenging to have work life balance. Compassion fatigue is a common problem in the profession.
Veterinarians are faced with death almost every day as a routine part of their work. Easy access to euthanasia drugs combined with the knowledge of how to administer a quick and painless death can make suicide seem like a viable solution to burnout.
Not One More Vet
Not One More Vet is a non-profit organization that started out as a private facebook group created by CEO Dr. Nicole McArthur after world-renowned veterinarian, Dr. Sophia Yin took her own life. Her 2014 death shook the veterinary world, and brought the longstanding problem ouf of the shadows.
Dr. McArthur started a private Facebook group, which currently has more than 35,000 members who provide support for each other.
Not One More Vet’s mission is to transform the status of mental health in the profession so veterinary professionals can survive and thrive through education, resources and support.
Their website offers a comprehensive set of resources, including crisis numbers and resources tailored specifically to the needs of veterinary professionals.
You can support the organization by making a donation here. For more information, please visit NotOneMoreVet.org.
Progress in addressing mental health challenges in the profession
A 2024 study by Merck Animal Health shows encouraging progress in addressing the mental health challenges that face veterinary professionals. “There are many positives coming out of the study, including high levels of job satisfaction and pride in work across veterinary teams. This must be balanced with the understanding that there are also challenges within the veterinary profession, including a shortage of qualified veterinary team members as well as burdensome student debt that causes stress,” said Christine Royal, DVM, vice president, companion animal and equine business unit, Merck Animal Health.
To learn more about Merck Animal Health’s support of veterinary professionals and their mental wellbeing, visit http://www.vetwellbeing.com. For veterinary professionals looking to take advantage of the AVMA’s Workplace Wellbeing program, visit http://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing.
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This is so sad to hear. When I first heard this I really tried to always thank the vet staff and sometimes I’d bring flowers or food just to brighten their day.
I think these gestures are always appreciated.
I found that there’s an alarming burnout rate for animal care workers, veterinarians, and their employees. I was a vet assistant who had to retire from the position because it broke my heart. I took paralegal courses, completed the program, and became an animal rights advocate. Still heartbreaking, but I’m doing better because I am trying to change laws addressing the wrongs in the treatment of all animals.
Thanks to Ingrid for publicizing this alarming situation.
I heard about this years ago. It is heartbreaking. I always felt bad taking one of my cats in when it was time for them to go. Especially with Pono, who I knew my vet loved as much as we did.
It has been a problem for years. Since the pandemic there has been a high turnover of people. The vet I have been going to for over 16 years has had a high turnover of assistants since the pandemic. She said she can’t find qualified people. I know the ER’s are still having a big problem. I always wanted to be a vet. I even started out in animal husbandry, however I was not good at chemistry and math. I did very well in the other classes. It is not a good situation for people with pets. Many of the smaller practices are being brought out.