Veterinary social workers are essential in addressing the mental health crisis among animal care professionals, notably veterinarians and animal rescue workers, who face high suicide rates. They provide targeted mental health support, integrate social support into veterinary workplaces, and facilitate peer connections to destigmatize seeking help. Resilience training is implemented to help these professionals cope with compassion fatigue. The emotional toll of daily exposure to suffering, ethical dilemmas, and euthanasia is substantial, raising the urgency for effective mental health interventions.
Every morning, animal rescue workers and veterinarians walk into their clinics, shelters, and hospitals ready to save lives. Yet, behind the scenes... the emotional toll... can be devastating.
Veterinarians in the United States are 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, with female veterinarians at particularly high risk.
Daily exposure to suffering and death... ethical dilemmas, compassion fatigue, and the emotional burden of euthanasia all play a role.
The weight of these decisions became unbearable... despite her tireless efforts to rehome animals and promote adoption.
#veterinary-mental-health #compassion-fatigue #suicide-awareness #veterinary-social-work #animal-care-professionals
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