10/09/2021
Today is . An important topic to talk about, one very close to my heart, and one that is particularly prominent in the veterinary profession.
Did you know, veterinarians are known to be up to 4x greater risk of su***de than the general population?
This can’t be ignored. There is a crisis amongst our veterinary professionals.
There can not be one factor defining its cause, as each individual has unique circumstances surrounding them. However, huge contributing factors include compassion fatigue, burnout, financial stress and even public perception.
We enter this career because we love animals. We want to help and heal them and send them home with their owners who love them so dearly! And if that’s not possible, we want to give them a gentle and respectful end to their life. To do this, we work long hours, weekends, night shifts, holidays. Many of us struggle with our wages. We see and experience suffering and death often daily… and we become so attached to our patients.
It’s a rewarding career, but there MUST be more support for those of us who are struggling. Those of us who are at risk of suffering burnout and compassion fatigue. One step towards this is reducing the stigma around simply talking about our ‘darker’ thoughts and feelings. To feel able to tell your colleagues you can’t make it this week because you’re burnt out, and not have to make an excuse of a physical ailment instead. Mental health is JUST as important as our physical health!
Please follow the page Love Your Pet Love Your Vet as their work on su***de awareness and prevention in the veterinary profession is amazing!
If you are a veterinary professional, student or non-clinical staff member who is currently struggling, please do consider contacting the charity Vetlife. You can remain anonymous AND contact them via email if you prefer this.
Be kind to your vet staff. You never know how much they may have needed your kindness that day.
Not One More Vet, Inc
