Suicide Prevention: A Global Imperative

This year more than any before it, mental health has been in the headlines. We watched as world-class athletes elevated the topic on a global stage and as those nearest to us have sought out new ways to cope with the daily stressors of the pandemic. Today, as we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, we have an opportunity to address another urgent public health imperative: connecting those who may be experiencing symptoms of suicide with the resources they need.

No person or profession is immune to suicidal ideation, from pop stars to paraprofessionals. While all healthcare workers are at an increased risk of mental health challenges and emotional distress, suicide is an issue that disproportionately impacts those in the veterinary medicine.

Veterinary professionals commit to helping their patients become healthier and happier throughout their careers, but as a veterinarian myself, I’ve seen firsthand how easy it can be to forget to focus that same time and attention on our own wellbeing. In honor of the many people who have been affected by suicide, it’s important to shine a light on this important public health issue and take actions to improve it.

With rates of suicide among veterinarians higher than the general population, this trend has persisted for decades and reinforces the need for our profession to place a greater emphasis on mental health awareness and wellbeing, and make tools and resources available to support each other.

Understanding veterinary mental health challenges

The root cause of mental health challenges in the veterinary profession is often the very thing that made us choose these passion-filled careers in the first place: our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the pets we love. These daily pressures, which we often put on ourselves, can be compounded with other factors, such as high rates of student debt, repeat exposure to families coping with the loss of their pets, moral distress, and most recently, a pandemic that has disrupted our routines and increased isolation.

Unfortunately, those in veterinary medicine are not alone. Many on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response have experienced an increased risk due to heavy workloads, burnout and frequent exposure to illness — none more than healthcare workers. In gratitude for the incredible service frontline workers have provided, we must remember that suicide is preventable and work together to address it on both a global and interpersonal level.

Rethinking professional expectations to incorporate mental wellness

The truth is, veterinary professionals cannot provide the care we want to — the care our patients deserve — without first caring for ourselves and each other. Professional expectations across industries must evolve to include prioritizing individual wellness. Every day, we must choose to prioritize our own health and wellbeing, and to support others by making sure they have the resources they need to take care of their bodies and their minds.

We must also be more transparent with our colleagues — and with ourselves — to destigmatize mental health and open the door for others. Leaders can model this behavior, showing colleagues it is okay to let someone know you are struggling and to ask for help. And we also have a responsibility to support each other’s mental health. Regular team meetings and one-on-one conversations not only provide colleagues with an outlet to express their feelings, but also an opportunity for us to get to know our peers and recognize changes in mood or behavior that may signal a need for help.

In today’s landscape, direct and intentional communication is critical to get a true sense for someone’s state of mind. Masks worn to protect against COVID-19 can make it hard to read a person’s facial expressions and pick up on subtle cues. But creating moments of connection with colleagues can help as we all continue to navigate today’s more distanced world.

It’s important to emphasize that the goal is not to “solve” the issue for someone who may have symptoms of suicidal ideation. Individuals, even caregivers like veterinarians, are not mental health professionals. We may not be equipped to address these types of situations alone, but we can encourage people to speak to those who are and make effective resources readily available.

We’ve made progress, but there’s still plenty of work to do

Over the last several years, I’ve witnessed greater awareness, conversation and action in our profession and beyond. I’ve been encouraged to hear more open and honest dialog about mental health, but the discussions are still too few and far between, and the stigma remains.

Mental health and wellbeing — and preventing suicide — are top-of-mind for all of us at Mars Veterinary Health. In addition to creating a health and wellbeing resource hub for our more than 65,000 global Associates, we created a first-of-its-kind suicide awareness and prevention training for veterinary professionals. “ASK — Assess, Support, Know” is an online suite of tools intended to help veterinary professionals understand and recognize signs of emotional distress in others, so they can direct them to the appropriate resources. Health and wellbeing content, including the “ASK” training, are available for free to veterinary professionals worldwide at MVH4You.com.

For those inside and outside the veterinary profession, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with these important resources:

• Whether you need help or know somebody who is struggling, the Suicide Stop International Help Center contains information, phone numbers, and resources.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.) offers 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, along with best practices and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call +1–800–273–8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
• Learn more about the often-misunderstood risk factors and warning signs of suicide from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Let’s combat suicide together

I can’t think of a better way to honor World Suicide Prevention Day today than by connecting with each other and establishing new protocols for checking in with your colleagues today — and every day moving forward.

Those of us in the veterinary profession chose this field because of our passion for pets and the people who love them. Now’s the time to extend this same compassion to our colleagues, communities and to ourselves. It’s the right thing to do for each other and for our loved ones.