Mental health in veterinarians and potential influences

Authors: Bartram D
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Graduate Support Scheme, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Studies of suicide statistics across several different time periods in the UK consistently report that the veterinary profession has around three to four times the proportion of all deaths certified as suicide that would be expected from the proportion for the general population, and around twice that for other healthcare professionals.1, 2 This observation of increased risk is supported by studies in other countries. There has been much speculation regarding possible mechanisms underlying the increased suicide risk in the profession. It is hypothesised that a complex interaction of possible mechanisms may occur across the career life course to increase the suicide risk (Fig. 1).1 Possible factors include the characteristics of individuals entering the profession, negative effects during undergraduate training, work-related stressors, ready access to and knowledge of means, stigma associated with mental illness, professional and social isolation, and alcohol or drug misuse. Attitudes to death and euthanasia and suicide contagion (due to direct or indirect exposure to suicide of peers) are other possible influences.1, 2, 3

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