01/09/2025
September is Su***de Awareness and Prevention Month. We’d like to take a moment to remember Dr. Sophia Yen, and all who have met this sadly tragic ending. Dr. Yen was a compassionate and skilled veterinarian who died by su***de in September 2014. Dr. Yen’s passing brought with it heartbreaking attention to a crisis that continues to affect the veterinary profession.
The veterinary field, though dedicated to caring for animals, faces immense challenges. A CDC 2019 study revealed that su***de risk is significantly higher among veterinary professionals. Male veterinarians are 2.1 times as likely and female veterinarians are 3.5 times as likely to die by su***de compared to the general population. Veterinary technicians also face a significantly elevated risk.
Two major factors contributing to this crisis are a high-stress environment and the "care-killing paradox"—the emotional toll of providing care while also facing the difficult reality of euthanasia. Veterinarians in the U.S. are a staggering three to five times more likely to die by su***de than the general population.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone.
National Su***de and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
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