Veterinary surgeons in the UK are three to four times more likely than the general population to die by suicide (Platt et al., 2010). The effect on families, friends and colleagues can be devastating. Every suicide is a tragedy, and for many people bereaved by suicide, the impact stays with them for the rest of their life. There aren’t accurate figures for the suicide rate among veterinary nurses but there are some aspects of their work that suggest that they also may be at risk.
The stigma associated with mental illness will be a barrier for most not just to accessing mental health services but to even discussing the topic in the first place. According to the results of a 2012 study of veterinary surgeons with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviour which was published in Social Psychiatry & Psychiatric Epidemiology, half the participants had not talked with anyone about their problems because they felt guilty or ashamed.
Initiatives like Mind Matters are working to reduce the stigma and Vetlife Health Support and Vetlife Helpline are expanding to meet the increased demand for their free, independent and confidential mental health support.
Mind Matters have produced a downloadable guide on enhancing wellbeing and managing stress in the work place.
