In January, the Centers for Disease control released the first study to examine veterinarian mortality rates in America. The results showed that between 1970 and 2015, male and female veterinarians committed suicide between two to three and a half more often than the national average, respectively. Further, one in six veterinarians have considered suicide, indicating a growing crisis. This article highlights the struggles of Dr. Robin Stamey and provides worthwhile resources.
Source: The Washington Post, January 19, 2019. Link. (paywall) The organization at the crest of the industry’s new wellness wave, though is Not One More Vet (NOMV). Link. An online support network that’s emerging as a leading nonprofit group in the field, NOMV has spearheaded a nationwide mental health education initiative and created a grant program to provide financial assistance to veterinarians who can’t access affordable mental health care. They also provide temporary relief workers to ensure emotionally depleted vets can take a few days off to rest and recharge.
In addition . . . , the AVMA has created a suite of mental well-being resources . . . Link.
INSIGHTS: It is likely that a number of animal health pros are walking or have walked in Dr. Stamey’s shoes. Whether you have or have not, this article is worth your time as it lays bare commonly known difficulties, but also addresses the effects of client and social media harassment. As Dr. Stamey says, “You’d be shocked by who’s struggling around you.”