One out of 6 veterinarians have contemplated suicide.
Dr. Jason Doll, a veterinarian with Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, talks with @wpsu’s Lindsey Whissel Fenton about the mental health crisis in this industry and some of the stressors that contribute to it.
“Some of the contributing factors include accessibility to care, the emotional toll of that accessibility of care of allocation of resources, [debt to] income ratio for both veterinarians and for veterinary technicians, as well as euthanasia being a completely acceptable form of treatment and, especially as of late, COVID restrictions.”
Dr. Doll says he chose to work with animals because he loves people.
“Attached to every animal there’s a human that really cares about them. That’s what makes it messy. The people are the best, but then they can also make situations the worst.”
Compared with the general public, male veterinarians are 2.1 times more likely to take their own lives and female vets are 3.5 times more likely.
“It makes it very, very scary and very real. And, honestly I didn’t realize the impact this has until one of my classmates died by suicide.”
Dr. Doll also discusses some of the organizations working to provide education and support for veterinary professionals.
Listen to the full interview here.
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