Veterinary Practice News–Supporting mental health in your practice
There has been a growing awareness of depression and the need for suicide prevention in the veterinary industry in recent years
November 4, 2021
By Claire Primo
There has been a growing awareness of depression and the need for suicide prevention in the veterinary industry in recent years.
Five years ago, I received a call my mom had passed away. I was 30 years old and suddenly motherless. Later that afternoon, I was told she had died by suicide. In that moment, and in many moments thereafter, I was shattered and broken. I could not stop replaying my new reality: my mom had taken her life. I was devastated.
After my mom died, I began to notice a few things about mental illness in our country. First, there is an enormous amount of stigma, shame, denial, and judgement woven into those who suffer from this invisible disease. There is also a lack of support, understanding, and resources for those seeking help. I have witnessed it with my mom, with my loved ones, and with my veterinary colleagues. Those struggling with mental illness often do so in silence, despite the fact it is sweeping through our country at an alarming rate.
Five steps to support our mental health