Vet suicides outstrip UK average

[Az]

The suicide rate among vets is nearly four times the national average and double that of doctors or dentists, according to new research.

Findings published in the British Veterinary Association's (BVA) journal suggested lethal injections were the most common method of suicide.

Professor Richard Halliwell, of the BVA, said the suicides could be related to the stress of putting down animals.

The BVA is considering setting up an advice and support system for trainees.

The approach would be used to help aspiring vets and warn them of the stress they may face while at work.

Speaking about the possible reasons for suicide among vets, Professor Halliwell told the BBC's Farming Today: "When they are suffering themselves from emotional problems due to the stress, they may more readily decide to take their own life because they are used to euthanising animals who are suffering."

He described being a vet as "extremely stressful".

"You're dealing not only with life and death of animals, but you're dealing with people who either have significant commercial or financial involvement with those animals or, alternatively, are very emotionally attached to them.

"So you have a dual problem of coping with the animals and coping with the people, which can be very stressful."


Full Story here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4310596.stm

[Mags]

That is shocking! It must be such a stressful job....I couldn't do their job for the world

[Bellakatz]

I could never do their job
Putting animals to sleep must be so hard for them