Introduction
Being a veterinarian is a high-demand profession, and it often requires dedication, years of study, and long, stressful shifts. Burnout and financial constraints, combined with clients becoming more informed and using AI tools to challenge veterinarians’ opinions, are making this profession increasingly difficult in day-to-day life.
Complex mechanisms can contribute to the development of suicidal tendencies. The field of veterinary medicine is constantly changing and evolving, and overall, it is becoming a predominantly female profession. More women are entering the field, and many report questioning whether they chose the right profession or report feeling a lack of job satisfaction.
Reaching Perfection
People who pursue perfection are often the ones who need the most support. The drive that makes someone wake up early, prepare thoroughly for cases, and plan their workday can feel like chasing an ideal that is never fully attainable. We never truly reach it, yet we continue striving for it repeatedly. When goals are not achieved, it can lead to feelings of failure and the belief that nothing meaningful has been accomplished.
Suicide Factors
Surveys indicate that substance abuse is the most common factor associated with suicide in veterinarians. Access to drugs and familiarity with euthanasia protocols can make this pathway more accessible within the profession. The second and third most common methods are hanging and the use of firearms.
Isolation
Many small-animal practice professionals experience isolation. Their daily interactions are often limited to a small, repetitive circle of colleagues and clients. Within these environments, a lack of understanding or support can deepen feelings of loneliness instead of encouraging individuals to seek help. The need for belonging is fundamental to human nature, and when adequate support is absent, isolation can increasingly dominate a person’s thoughts and even begin to feel like a source of comfort.
Conclusion
Suicide is not rare within the veterinary profession, and greater awareness and open conversations about mental health are essential to improving conditions for veterinarians in the future, especially in the context of high client demands.
Mental health is now being discussed more openly, and it is important to recognize when someone is struggling or feeling overwhelmed. Veterinary work is a clear example of emotional strain, as professionals regularly deal with illness, distressed clients, and critical situations. While they manage these responsibilities and move forward, the emotional impact does not disappear. Instead, it can remain beneath the surface and resurface later, often in moments of quiet, making it difficult to cope.
References
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Skipper, G. E., & Williams, J. B. (2012). Failure to acknowledge high suicide risk among veterinarians. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 39(1), 79–82. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.0311.034R
Stoewen D. L. (2015). Suicide in veterinary medicine: let’s talk about it. The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 56(1), 89–92. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4266064/
Tran, L., Crane, M. F., & Phillips, J. K. (2014). The distinct role of performing euthanasia on depression and suicide in veterinarians. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 19(2), 123–132. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035837
Author Bio
Ivana Nikic is a veterinarian with years of experience in small-animal practice. She is trying to raise awareness about mental health in her profession, as coming from Serbia, at times, she learned that people often forget to ask each other simple questions. Somehow, that simplicity seems to work when you apply it. She is currently working in a small practice, has two dogs and two cats, and enjoys hiking in the woods.
Published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license for mental health awareness with editorial review.