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Study reveals vets more likely to die by suicide

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Study reveals vets more likely to die by suicide

Researchers from the University of Southampton have concluded that employees in the veterinarian profession are at a higher risk of suicide than the average person, the Telegraph has reported.

The study was conducted by neuroscientists David Bartram and Dr David Baldwin, and has been published in respected sector journal the Veterinary Record, which is published by the British Veterinarian Association (BVA).

According to the study's abstract, veterinary surgeons are four times more likely to take their own lives than the rest of the general population and two times more likely than people in other healthcare professions.

The researchers found that this phenomenon can be applied on an international scale, noting that the relatively high suicide rate among UK vets can also be observed among those undertaking such work in other countries.

The study has been welcomed by Professor Bill Reilly, president of the BVA. He told the Scotsman: "The more we can understand about the reasons behind the high suicide rate amongst veterinary surgeons, the more the BVA and other bodies can do to support vets in crisis.

"It is essential that this issue is kept in the open, so that those who are struggling know where to turn for help."

Mr Bartram and Dr Baldwin found that on average, 13 of the UK's approximately 16,000 vets die by suicide each year.

In a blog for the Telegraph, professional veterinarian Pete Wedderburn writes: "Thirteen suicides every year may not sound like a high number on a national scale, but when they happen in a small group like the veterinary profession, it's very significant."

According to the study, one of the main factors which may explain why suicide rates among this group are relatively high is the fact that many vets will know, or know of, a fellow vet who has died by suicide.

The report states: "Knowledge of individual suicides can travel readily through the social networks of a small profession.

"Direct or indirect exposure to the suicidal behaviour of others can influence attitudes and increase vulnerability to suicide."

Another key point identified by the researchers is that vets are routinely obliged to put down animals. This, they claim, not only gives them increased access to items such as lethal drugs and firearms (for the euthanasia of larger animals), but could also result in veterinarians becoming hardened to death.

In the Veterinary Record, they state: "Familiarity with death and dying may affect attitudes in regard to the expendability of life."

They add that this familiarity may make it easier for vets to detach themselves from the emotional impact of death, and thus begin to view suicide as a valid "solution to their own problems."

The researchers also found that many people entering the veterinary profession possess the personality traits of high academic achievers, which can include neuroticism and perfectionism – both of which are risk factors for suicide.

However, Mr Bartram and Dr Baldwin state that many of the influential factors identified by the study are the same as those found in people at a higher risk of suicide among the general population.

The study states: "Possible factors include [… the] stigma associated with mental illness […] and alcohol or drug misuse."

They add that vets working in private practice can be particularly susceptible to thoughts of suicide, as they are more likely to experience feelings of isolation.

Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, told the Scotsman: "While many people may think that being a vet is a nice job, it is actually a stressful profession in which to work.

"It is important that all vets have support systems available that they can access, whether it be a counselling telephone line or a local support network where they can talk to others who do the same job."

Samaritans

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, you can call Samaritans for support 24 hours on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) and 1850 60 90 90 (ROI), or email at jo@samaritans.org, or face to face - visit http://www.samaritans.org/ for your nearest branch.

Sources

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7521063/Vets-four-times-more-likely-to-commit-suicide.html

Veterinary surgeons and suicide: a structured review of possible influences on increased risk

http://news.scotsman.com/health/Vets-more-at-risk-of.6182795.jp

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100031847/why-are-vets-more-likely-to-commit-suicide/

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Study reveals vets more likely to die by suicide

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