September has been a month of firsts for VHMA. We held our first virtual Annual Meeting & Conference. Although different, it featured the quality education and networking opportunities members value. We even incorporated a virtual membership meeting, CVPM pinning ceremony, President’s Award presentation, roundtable discussions, and a sponsor exhibit hall into the program! The meeting spanned the entire month rather than the usual three days, another VHMA first. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success and to those who participated.
September has particular importance for me because it has been designated Suicide Awareness Prevention Month. I am a staunch advocate of raising awareness about suicide prevention. Annually, I participate in “Out of the Darkness,” a community walk to promote suicide awareness and I am committed to doing whatever it takes to help others work through their pain and sadness. Having lost colleagues, friends, and staff to suicide, I am well aware of the helplessness, emptiness, and confusion left in the wake of their deaths.
We have a problem
Studies show that suicides among those in the veterinary field are rising. Debt, compassion fatigue, grueling schedules, and burnout have been identified as contributing factors. More recently, the added stressors created by the global pandemic are anticipated to further tax how well our employees and peers cope. Managers must be tuned into these developments and how they impact staff.
Working in the time of COVID
Working throughout the pandemic and responding to ever-changing conditions, requirements, and office protocols, has transformed our jobs, which were already exhausting and draining, to overwhelming. Initially, veterinary workers were considered essential workers and were applauded for their commitment to patients, clients, and the profession. As people tire of restrictions, the initial empathy they showed toward essential workers has dissipated. Veterinary employees, however, are still expected to respond to clients’ misdirected anger with patience and understanding. Consequently, I am seeing much more depression and burnout among staff and colleagues.
Seeing red
Although veterinary managers are aware how suicide is impacting the industry and are becoming more and more adept at identifying those at risk, it is important to periodically review the red flags that can signal that someone is teetering on the edge. These include:
- Excessive sadness, moodiness, or expressions of hopelessness.
- Withdrawal.
- Changes in personality or appearance.
- Engaging in potentially dangerous or harmful behavior.
- Talking about suicide (Contrary to what many believe, when a person threatens suicide, from 50% to 75% of the time they will act on that threat.)
When suicide is imminent
If you engage with a person who is threatening suicide, address the situation immediately:
- Do not leave the person alone.
- Call 911. Safety is a priority.
- Once the immediate concern is addressed, consult with the appropriate resources within the practice to provide further help.
When you suspect suicidal ideations
Should you suspect that the employee is contemplating suicide based on behavioral changes and/or comments, do not wait for a crisis to unfold. Act!
- Speak to the person and ask difficult questions to better understand his/her state of mind.
- Do not be afraid to be direct.
- If the responses indicate suicidal thoughts, find help immediately.
- If the practice has an EAP, work with the employee to contact the EAP and get the wheels in motion.
- If the practice does not have an EAP, offer to work with the employee to find mental health support.
- Provide contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) and other help lines and prevention lines. Be sure these numbers are posted in common areas in the practice.
In the aftermath
The suicide death of an employee is one of the most difficult situations a manager will ever address. But let me be clear, it must be addressed and cannot be concealed. The entire practice is impacted by the death and they all should be allowed to process and grieve. Furthermore, evidence suggests that confronting the crisis with employees may be a way to prevent additional suicides from occurring.
Scientists have found that suicide clusters---multiple suicides occurring close together, both in time and place---may be preventable. Providing crisis intervention and other forms of support following a suicide can stabilize a community, prevent copycat attempts, and foster a return to normalcy.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSA), working with VHMA, AVMA, NAVTA, and VMAE, has developed a valuable resource for managers faced with grieving employees, clients, and industry partners. It also offers strategies for responding to media attention following the tragedy and community requests for answers. After A Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces is a “must have” resource for troubling times. The guide can be found on the AFSA and VHMA websites.
Moving forward
The veterinary industry has been plagued with disproportionately higher rates of suicide than other professions. The pandemic has ushered in new stressors and simultaneously prevented access to traditional coping mechanism. Managers can play a role in preventing suicides by being well-informed about mental health resources and suicide prevention techniques, hypervigilant about flagging behavior in employees and colleagues that may suggest they are harboring suicidal thoughts, educating others so that they too can identify at-risk individuals, advocating for improved mental health services, and working to destigmatize mental health issues.
Observing National Suicide Prevention Month helps to remind all of us that in an industry in which the job stressors can be overwhelming, we have a responsibility to protect our colleagues and employees who are struggling to do their best in the worst of times.
“All of us, at some time or another, need help. Whether we are giving or receiving help, each one of us has something valuable to bring to this world. That’s one of the things that connects us.” ---Fred Rogers
Michelle Gonzales-Bryant, CVPM
VHMA President