Interview+study+of+veterinarians+with+a+history+of+suicidal+ideation+or+behavior

Platt, Belinda, Keith Hawton, Sue Simkin, Racheal Dean, Richard J. Mellanby. “Suicidality in the veterinary profession: Interview study of veterinarians with a history of suicidal ideation or behavior.” //Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention.// 33.5 (2012): 280-289. Print.

The article begins by discussing the lack of evidence and research available to prove the direct factors resulting in veterinarians committing suicide. There was a studied performed in the United Kingdom in 2008 involving a random sampling of 3,500 veterinarians about their well-being in the field. Only 1.6% (21 individuals) of the veterinarians were used in the study to narrow down the category to doctors who has contemplated and/or have attempted suicide. “Nine of the 21 doctors had suicidal thoughts for the first time as a veterinary medicine student or shortly after they graduated. Around two-thirds of the sample received a psychiatric diagnosis at the time of their most serious suicidal ideation or behavior. While this was not identified by any of the participants as a factor that contributed to their suicidality, it may have acted as a mediator between occupational contributory factors, difficult life events, and suicidality.” After questioning the 21 veterinarians, the authors were able to compile three main coping strategies. Talking to others, cognitive reappraisal of events, and making practical changes to lifestyle. “Many participants had been reluctant to talk about their feelings because of worries about what others would think.” The participants were also open to providing employers new ideas to encourage more of a work-life balance to ease stressors and in turn decreasing the amount of veterinarians contemplating suicide. This article is great at explaining the complexity of suicide ideation in veterinarians. It provides specific areas and risk factors that could contribute to their thoughts that could move into detrimental actions. The veterinarians interviewed in the study have provided a unique inside look to better understand why the practitioners and their nurses are committing suicide. We now have more information on why these thought are contemplated and some solutions to better their lives and work environments.

Kristen Mueller