A serious stigma regarding mental health exists in the veterinary profession and it’s time for it to stop.

Much of the discussion regarding mental health in the veterinary profession recently has focused on ways to reduce the high rate of suicide, which is 2.5 to 3.5 times more common among male and female veterinarians than the general population, respectively. People have suggested that demanding and difficult clients are the cause or that access to controlled substances used to end life are a factor. While I do not disagree that the difficulties of our job and access to drugs used to perform euthanasia are a factor, I think it’s more than that.

I believe that the mental health stigma that exists in our profession is one of the largest contributing factors and that for rates of suicide to go down, we need to change the conversation around mental illness and suicide.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed that almost half (47.3%) of veterinarians responding to a web-based survey somewhat or strongly disagreed with the statement “people are generally caring and sympathetic to people with mental illness”. The tendency to somewhat or strongly disagree with this statement was higher among veterinarians with evidence of serious psychological distress, depression during or after veterinary school, and suicidal ideation since graduating from veterinary school…a demographic that is arguably most in need of mental health support.

Clearly, we have a problem in this profession if almost one of two veterinarians in need of mental health support are reluctant to disclose information to others regarding their mental illness because they doubt others will sympathize or care.

Here are three behaviors that perpetuate the stigma around mental illness and ways in which we can overcome them:

1. Using terminology to suggest that suicide is a crime – use acceptable phrases instead. This week there has been coverage on the news regarding the death of a prominent American financier and the phrase “committed suicide” has been used multiple times. Every time I hear “committed suicide” I think is it any wonder that a stigma persists, not just in veterinary medicine but worldwide? Referring to the act of suicide as a “crime” is just one of the many ways in which stigmas regarding mental illness persist in our society. I hear the phrase “committed suicide” all too often in articles or conversations regarding veterinary suicide and urge people to use more acceptable terms such as “died by suicide”, “took his or her life”, or “ended his or her life”. Using this phrasing is more inclusive and removes any negative connotations that might dissuade others from talking about suicide.
2. Misunderstanding depression or suggesting someone “cheer up” – acknowledge that mental illness is a disease like any other. Suicide is the 9^th leading cause of death in Canada and the USA, with cancer and heart disease leading the charge. And it’s important to take note of the response people have to others with cancer versus mental illness. When people disclose that they have cancer, support is offered in the form of home-cooked meals, transportation to the hospital for treatments, as well as prayers and “positive vibes”. But when people share that they have depression, the response is often different. I’ve had depressive episodes off and on throughout my adult life and upon disclosing them with others have been told “cheer up”, “it will get better”, “hang in there”, or “think positive”. While these phrases might seem optimistic and helpful, they are simplistic platitudes that take away the seriousness of the disease. A person cannot “think positively” out of depression any more than a person with cancer can. So, the next time someone says that they are struggling with their mental health, listen non-judgmentally and acknowledge how difficult it must be. Then strive to offer support that reflects how you would help another person with a potentially terminal disease.
3. Avoiding conversations regarding mental illness – be open to talking about suicide. Veterinary professionals often share with me their reluctance to speak to team members or colleagues regarding their mental health. They say things like “is it okay to ask how someone is doing mentally?” or “if I bring up suicide will it put ideas in their head?”. I urge people to think about conversations regarding mental health just as you would any other conversation about physical health. While not everyone will want to share (just as many do not share information regarding their physical health) and even though human rights prevent asking about a diagnosis, if a person discloses that they have mental illness, it is okay to check-in with them regarding their disease. Saying things like “how is your mental health these days?” or “how are you holding up with your mental wellbeing?” are perfectly acceptable conversation starters. If a person is struggling, then ask how you can help support them. And do not be afraid to ask about suicide. While it can be incredibly awkward and difficult to ask, “are you thinking of suicide?” this question shows that you care and are open to talking about it. This often comes as a tremendous relief to people who are contemplating suicide.

It is important to remember that suicide is 100% preventable, if we are willing to talk about it and seek support. Recognize that the likelihood of disclosing mental illness and getting help is highly dependent on abolishing the stigma. Please do your part to ensure that others with mental illness or thoughts of suicide are open to reaching out.

Should you or anyone you know need support, please call 1-800-273-8255 (USA) or 1-833-456-4566 (Canada). International toll-free numbers for suicide prevention are also available at http://suicide.org/.