Suicidality in the veterinary profession: interview study of veterinarians with a history of suicidal ideation or behavior.
BACKGROUND
Suicide rates are elevated in the veterinary profession in several countries, yet little is known about possible contributory and preventive factors.


OBJECTIVE
To obtain information from veterinarians with a history of suicidal ideation or behavior about the factors associated with suicidality in their profession.


METHODS
We conducted a mixed-methods interview study with 21 UK veterinarians who had attempted suicide or reported recent suicidal ideation. Interview topics included work and nonwork contributory factors, coping mechanisms, and preventive factors.


RESULTS
Self-poisoning was the most common method used or considered by participants. Common contributory factors were workplace relationships, career concerns, patient issues, number of hours and volume of work, and responsibility, although two-thirds of participants reported co-occurring difficult life events. Around half had received a psychiatric diagnosis following their suicidal behavior. Several possible preventive measures were suggested by participants.


CONCLUSIONS
Several work- and non-work-related contributory factors to suicidality in the veterinary profession were identified. Future preventive measures may involve better promotion of support services, formal support for recent graduates, and improving employers' attitudes toward work-life balance.
Centre for Suicide Research, University of Oxford, UK. belinda.platt@psy.ox.ac.uk
Belinda
B
Platt
Keith
K
Hawton
Sue
S
Simkin
Rachel
R
Dean
Richard J
RJ
Mellanby
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000523:psychology*; D016526:Workload / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention