Members of the veterinary profession have a high risk for suicide. This has recently been highlighted by an Internal Medicine Resident taking his life and the previous death of another of our colleagues, a recently Board certified Cardiology specialist last year.

We are aware of how difficult our jobs can be and that the suicide rate amongst vets is almost four times higher than the overall population. All over the world veterinary teams are actively working to improve the way they support one another’s mental health and spread knowledge about this alarming trend. As a College we are aware of the stresses and strains that Residents go through and we implore each and every one to reach out to family, friends, colleagues, College Ombudspersons, or Internet based help lines like NOMV if thoughts of suicide are crossing your mind.

Our Diplomates are also not immune, especially with high workload, a lot of stress and little time for self-care. If you are experiencing difficulties, seek help as soon as you can and as hard as it may be, treat yourself like you would treat someone else or your patient who needs your help. Similarly, if you are concerned about a person, in private, listen to their story, and let them know you care and that you understand and take their concerns seriously. This conversation could save a life. If a colleague engages with you saying that they are contemplating suicide, please take that person seriously as that person is experiencing a life-threatening health crisis and may not believe they can be helped. Work with them to keep them safely away from means of committing suicide and remind them that their suffering is temporary, and that they are not alone. Stay with them and if available contact a Suicide Lifeline. And just like we do with our patients, follow up with them during and after the crisis to see how they are doing. This should further reinforce that they are not alone and that there are people who do care.

Let us all strive for the idea of “not one more vet”.

From anywhere in the world, consider reaching out:
Not One More Vet (nomv.org)
Vetlife – (https://www.vetlife.org.uk/how-we-can-help/)

For general help (not veterinary specific):
Samaritans (UK) https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Samaritans International: https://samaritanshope.org/resources/international-help/