Why Are Veterinarians Dying By Suicide? | Episode 22 | Reviving Vet Med

When we learn that a fellow veterinarian has died by suicide, almost always the first question asked is “why?”. While there is rarely an obvious answer in each individual’s situation, there are risk factors for suicide that warrant discussion, as well as careful consideration of what we can do to prevent suicides in the future.

In this episode, and in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, I share what we know about veterinarian suicides based on recent studies, as well as the uncertainty that remains in every suicide situation. Reminders and resources for preventing suicides among all veterinary professionals are included.

If you are concerned about a friend or colleague, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), or 911.

Blog Posts
Why we need to be careful how we talk about suicides among veterinary professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2020/02/19/why-we-need-to-be-careful-how-we-talk-about-suicides-among-veterinary-professionals/
Let’s Do Our Part to Prevent Suicide Among Veterinary Professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/09/01/lets-do-our-part-to-prevent-suicide-among-veterinary-professionals/
When do coping strategies become harmful for veterinary care providers?: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/08/04/when-do-coping-strategies-become-harmful-for-veterinary-care-providers/

Related Articles

Suicide among veterinarians in the United States from 1979 through 2015 (JAVMA 2019): https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/254/1/javma.254.1.104.xml
Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014 (JAVMA 2020): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6933287/

Suicide Intervention Training

QPR (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
ASK (VetFolio): https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/ask-suicide-prevention-training

Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/
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Questions or Suggestions
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