Vets more at risk of suicide 'because they're used to putting down animals'

Published on Thursday 25 March 2010 21:44

VETS are four times more likely than the general population to take their own lives, a report has revealed.

The researchers suggested that different attitudes to life and death, as a result of vets being involved in putting down animals, may partly explain why they are more prone to suicide.

They said more work was needed to find out what was influencing the suicide risk of vets, to try to cut the numbers dying.

The study, published in Veterinary Record, found vets were also twice as likely to die through suicide as other health workers, who also have higher rates.

The researchers, led by David Bartram, from the University of Southampton, analysed studies looking at suicide in vets and other professions. They outlined a number of reasons why vets may be more at risk than others.

They said vets may had the personality traits of high academic achievers, such as neuroticism and perfectionism which were all risk factors for suicidal behaviour.

The long hours involved in running a veterinary practice, high psychological demands and the demands of clients could also be risk factors.

Working in private practice, being socially and professionally isolated, could make vets more vulnerable to depression and suicide, the research suggested.

The study found that vets also had ready access to lethal drugs, and knew how to use them to take their own lives.

Being involved in putting down animals, and exposure to the suicide of other vets, may make it seem more acceptable for them to take their own lives, the researchers suggested.

"The veterinary profession's role in providing animal euthanasia and so facilitating a 'good death', may normalise suicide, with death perceived as a rational solution to intractable problems," the report said.

Professor Bill Reilly, president of the British Veterinary Association, welcomed the research.

"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," he said.

"Ours is a small profession, and many vets will know a friend or colleague who has taken their own life.

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

Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: "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."

Long hours, often lonely and stressful – the life of a vet

NONE of my friends or colleagues has had depression or committed suicide.

However, I have heard of other vets around the country who have been affected by the pressure of the job.

The repetitive nature of ending a life may make some more prone to these suicidal thoughts.

But more often than not, we have had thorough training and experience where we assess each and every animal on its individual basis.

It is not simply a matter of routine.

Before graduating I had at least 20 weeks of work experience under my belt with numerous practices.

I felt fully prepared for what the job demanded from me and satisfied it was a career where I could fulfil my potential.

Euthanasia is obviously a difficult side of the profession. The death of an animal is never an enjoyable part of the job for either the vet or owner.

On average I euthanise one animal a day and over my relatively short years as a vet, I think I have hardened to the emotional effects of the job.

It is true we work unpredictable hours. Our out-of-hours service means long and often stressful hours of being on call, through the night and at weekends.

" We are working on our own, sometimes for long periods of time which can be difficult in emergencies.

It is upsetting to hear some of the findings of this report, but I always keep in mind that if an animal is euthanised, it ends their suffering and is ultimately for the greater good.

&#149 Catherine Davidson is a vet at the Riverside Veterinary Practice in Bathgate.