"The proportion of deaths by suicide in the veterinary profession is four times higher than the general population and twice as high as other high-risk groups such as farmers, pharmacists, doctors and dentists," says Pamela Mosedale in the editorial to Occupational Medicine (2009, 59(5):290-29). The Office of National Statistics confirms the high incidence in the UK profession.
Access to Means Increases Risk
"Possible explanations for this include ready access to drugs, social and professional isolation, subconscious acceptance of euthanasia as a treatment option, rising client expectations and financial pressures," says Mosedale.
David Bartram from the University of Southampton is more specific. Following his 2008 UK study "Veterinary surgeons and suicide, influences, opportunities and research directions," he concluded that "probably the biggest influence on the suicide rate is the ready access to, and knowledge of, means."
Predisposition to Suicide Unclear
The predisposing factors are not clearly understood and it is probable that the selection process for veterinary school results in students with a high-risk profile. The course itself doesn't help either. In a presentation to the Veterinary Benevolent Fund, Dr. Jerry Lucke suggests that the demanding teaching programme, exclusion of social skills and self-awareness and the transition from security of the vet school to the business of practice all play a part. "The concern is real about suicide," he says. "The profession and the undergraduate students must understand the risks."
US equine journalist Candy Lawrence, author of Shock Central: Veterinarian Suicides agrees: "Veterinarians are minimally trained, if at all, in psychological issues to cope with the emotional states of their human clients. During vet school, little is addressed in terms of juggling financial aspects of running a practice or anything outside of the technical core complexities of clinical veterinary medicine."
Support for Veterinary Students
Now that the risks to vets are becoming more widely accepted, there are efforts being made to reduce potential stressors. The Veterinary Benevolent Fund suggests: "tutoring schemes and support mechanisms in vet schools as well as mentoring in the early years of practice." Whether and when this is implemented remains to be seen.
Concerned students or practitioners can contact various groups in the meantime. "The profession have set-up the Veterinary Surgeons Health Support programme to give specific help and action on alcohol, drug abuse and addiction," says Pamela Mosedale.
"There is also a ‘Vet Helpline’ a 24-hour confidential helpline run by volunteers from within the profession to assist members in distress." This is provided to veterinary surgeons, nurses and students if they are worried about themselves or a colleague.
Future Measures
The reasons for the high suicide rate amongst vets are many and not easily disentangled. The knowledge given to them and the access they have to lethal substances can by no means bear full responsibility. Indeed, it would seem that by the time they reach practice many vets may already be predisposed to the depression that can end so tragically. The answer then must lay in the universities - making sure that veterinary students are prepared for their career and emotionally supported through the transition.
Source:
Bartram, David J. "Veterinary surgeons and suicide, influences, opportunities and research directions," Veterinary Record (2008) 162:36–4.
Justin Schamotta - Justin was born in South Africa, raised in the Welsh Valleys and now resides in Brighton. He has been co-editor of Bulb magazine, deputy ...
