By Molly Daphne

As you’re probably aware, September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and today, 10th September, is Suicide Awareness Day. This year, the World Health Organization is encouraging everyone to focus on starting conversations with friends and colleagues about suicide. 

Within the veterinary community, we’re facing a significant mental health crisis—rates of suicide are alarmingly higher compared to other professions. 
According to a survey conducted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), nearly 90% of UK veterinary professionals have experienced work-related stress, and 40% said their mental health has suffered due to their job. 

Alarmingly, research went on to find that veterinarians are three to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. In fact, a 2019 study from the US found that 1 in 6 veterinarians has considered suicide at some point in their career. 

From the pressures of making life-altering decisions and dealing with the grief of pet owners to the long working hours and financial stress, it’s no surprise that mental health can sometimes take a back seat. 

We created The Webinar Vet because we want to ensure that every vet has an extraordinary career, and a huge part of that is helping veterinary professionals maintain their mental well-being. 

 
So, we want to dedicate our blog today to helping you support your colleagues, friends, family, and clientele, and spot when they need an extra helping hand. 

Recognising the Signs of Mental Health Struggles 

It can be difficult to spot when a colleague is struggling. We’re all wearing many hats and juggling multiple responsibilities right now, so you’d be forgiven for missing the smallest signs that your colleague is struggling. 

 
It’s also not unusual for those who are struggling to not even realise it themselves. So how could you? 

 
However, there are subtle signs that may indicate someone is having a hard time with their mental health, and if you do notice them, it’s always best to act. 

 
Here are a few things to look out for: 

• Changes in mood or behaviour: A normally outgoing colleague may become withdrawn, or a calm individual might start showing signs of irritability and frustration. 

• Decreased performance: Missed deadlines, mistakes, or a drop in work quality can indicate that someone is overwhelmed. 

• Increased absenteeism: A colleague who starts taking more time off than usual, or who frequently calls in sick, may be struggling with their mental health. 

• Physical signs: Lack of energy, fatigue, changes in appetite, or physical complaints such as headaches can sometimes be linked to emotional stress. 

• Talk of feeling hopeless or overwhelmed: Even off-hand remarks about life feeling “too much” should never be ignored. These can be cries for help. 

If you notice any of these signs in a colleague, it’s crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and care. Maybe you’re wrong and everything is okay, but at least you asked.  

How to Talk to Someone About Mental Health and Suicide 

Talking about mental health, especially suicide, can be daunting. It is a difficult topic, and it can trigger intense feelings. However, it’s vital that we change this narrative. We shouldn’t fear talking about suicide, and we definitely shouldn’t brush it under the rug. 

 
Talking to your colleagues about mental health is one of the most important conversations you can have with someone who might be struggling. 

Here are some tips for how you can approach the conversation: 

• Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet, private space where you can talk openly without interruptions. 

• Be empathetic and non-judgemental: Let them know that you’re there for them and that they can talk freely. Avoid making assumptions or offering solutions too quickly. 

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of saying, “You’re OK, right?” ask, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “I’ve noticed you’ve been quieter than usual. Do you want to talk about it?” 

• Don’t shy away from asking about suicide: It can be uncomfortable, but directly asking, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or taking your own life?” can open the door for them to express what they’re going through. Research shows that asking about suicide doesn’t increase the risk—it can actually reduce it. 

• Encourage them to seek help: Offer to help them find a therapist, counsellor, or support group. Sometimes, offering to go with them or help make the first step can make all the difference. 

• Follow up: Don’t let the conversation end there. Check in with them regularly to see how they’re doing and remind them that you’re there for support. 

Available Resources for Mental Health Support 

One of the most important ways you can support a colleague who is struggling with their mental health is by signposting them to professional support, and there are plenty of resources (many free) that are available and ready to help when they’re needed most. 
 

We’ve listed a few resources below from around the globe. 

UK Resources 

• Samaritans: A 24/7 helpline offering confidential support. Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org. 

• Vetlife: A charity providing emotional, financial, and mental health support to the veterinary community. Visit vetlife.org.uk or call 0303 040 2551. 

• Mind: A mental health charity offering information, support, and services. Visit mind.org.uk or call 0300 123 3393. 

US Resources 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available 24/7 for confidential support. Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

• Not One More Vet (NOMV): A peer support platform for veterinary professionals struggling with mental health issues. Visit nomv.org. 

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): Provides education, support, and prevention resources. Visit afsp.org. 

AUS/NZ Resources 

• Lifeline Australia: A 24/7 crisis support service. Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au. 

• New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Wellbeing Hub: Offers mental health resources tailored to veterinary professionals. Visit nzva.org.nz. 

• Beyond Blue: Provides information and support for mental health in Australia. Visit beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636. 

It may be helpful to print out some of your local resources and support helplines and place them around your practice. This may assist a colleague who isn’t ready to talk yet. 

The Power of Community 

We are a community of veterinary professionals, whether you’re a student, in the middle of your career, or enjoying retirement. We always come together to improve the lives of animals and their owners. That same wonderful sense of community is what makes us uniquely positioned to help each other when times get hard. 

Remember, you are never alone, and help is available. 

Let’s come together and ensure that no one in our community feels they must face their struggles by themselves. 

 
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services straight away. 

 Vetlife helpline: 0303 040 2551