On November 3, 2019, I walked in “Out of the Darkness,” a community walk to raise awareness and funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an organization that provides research, education, advocacy, and survivor support. It was moving and uplifting to stand in solidarity with others who were remembering loved ones lost to suicide and to advocate for more effective ways to prevent the downward spiral that increases the risk of suicide.
I am deeply committed to spreading awareness about suicide prevention. As some of you may know, several years ago, a colleague died suddenly in the office. The cause of death was an overdose and the entire office was shocked and shaken. Although the employee appeared to be stressed, no one anticipated the outcome. The veterinary field has a high rate of suicide and this is simply not acceptable.
Many in the industry have been touched by suicide. Some have personally wrestled with issues that have challenged their ability to cope and tested their resolve, others have devoted countless hours to supporting and locating resources for coworkers who were tottering on the edge, and others have had to process and come to terms with the debilitating sadness of losing a coworker.
Suicide is a public health crisis. In the U.S., the number of people who die annually by their own hand is staggering. Some reports claim that suicide takes more lives each year than war, murder and natural disasters. In the past two decades, suicide rates have surged.
Some speculate that the high rate of suicide in the veterinary profession is related to the personality type the veterinary field attracts: People who demonstrate a high level of compassion, empathy and drive to care for others.
Although veterinarians and other animal caregivers report a high level of career satisfaction, repeated exposure to traumatic events (such as abuse, illness, and euthanasia) can lead to compassion fatigue, which can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which make reasoning with one’s self more difficult, if not impossible. It’s not uncommon for those combating these issues to self-medicate using alcohol and drugs to dull the pain. Consequently, suicide can be the end result of depression, anxiety and substance abuse.
“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily and not be touched by it is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet”. – Rachel Naomi Remen
What can we do?
A recent VHMA Insider Insight survey revealed that 70% of respondents had to deal with an employee with a suspected substance abuse problem. Whether drug and alcohol abuse is related to mental health issues or other issues, managers must be prepared to recognize problems and take action before the employee spirals out of control.
While there is no one strategy that will prevent suicide, there are actions that can be taken to increase the chances that employees who have exhausted their ability to cope will receive counseling and have access to resources that will allow them to confront and address their issues before a tragedy occurs.
I encourage managers to explore the resources listed below to ensure there are safeguards in place for employees who are struggling.
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) offer confidential services that are free of charge to employees in crisis. If your office does not offer an EAP, I urge you to investigate a program. EAPs are relatively inexpensive but their impact on staff well-being can be tremendous. Check out VHMA's EAP program through Alera Veterinary.
- If the practice offers an EAP, make sure employees are aware of it and understand the benefits. Mention it and publicize it regularly. Employees need to know it’s okay to ask for help. Work to reduce the stigma of asking for help and focus on the confidentiality of the program.
- Train managers to recognize the warning signs of suicide so that they can effectively approach at-risk employees with direction and options.
- Foster a culture of kindness and adopt a zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying.
- Join a walk to fight suicide in your local area.
Others resources:
Facebook Pages: Not One More Vet – currently has 21k members
Facebook Pages: Not One More Vet Support Staff – currently has 2k members
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
Compassion and kindness are fundamental to human nature. Let all of us be the change by taking an active role in preventing suicide by promoting an atmosphere of well-being in the workplace, being aware of changes in the behavior of coworkers and acting to notify those who can help when necessary.
Be the voice, be the change, check on each other and be kind!
Best Regards,
Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM
VHMA President