The+Distinct+Role+of+Performing+Euthanasia+on+Depression+and+Suicide+in+Veterinarians

Tran, Lily, Monique F. Crane, Jacqueline K. Phillips. “The Distinct Role of Performing Euthanasia on Depression and Suicide in Veterinarians.” Journal of Occupational Health Psychology. 19.2 (2014): 123-132. Print.

“One implicated antecedent of suicidal behavior in veterinarians is the euthanasia of animals.” Major depression is highlighted in three different ways as a direct result of performing euthanasia. Veterinarians dealing with the actual euthanasia itself and the emotion from putting an animal to sleep and also dealing with their grief-stricken owners can become very taxing. A study was performed examining the overall frequency of cases veterinarians euthanize is also discussed and whether or not the doctors agreed with the euthanasia and how that adversely effects their mood and depressive state. Pressure from the client base to euthanize is also discussed and its relation to the practitioner who could be in agreeance or not with the animal being euthanized and how it could impact the mental health state. “The study provides a level of insight into the highly complex relationship between euthanasia and mental health.” It confirms the cause and effect prediction made by psychologists and provides the suggestion in which euthanasia frequency could play into other factors in the veterinary medicine. Euthanasia is a very difficult topic to talk about amongst the veterinary field. Being in it personally, I know how challenging it can be to try and support the clients who are grieving and keep the trust in yourself you are doing the correct action for the pet. This journal article helps explain the effect of euthanasia on the practitioner with taking into consideration the amount of euthanasia performed in their clinic and how it effects them long term. This alone “could potentially influence the development of depression, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behaviors.”