The Hidden Struggle: Depression and Suicide in the Veterinary Community.

Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life, but two groups consistently face significantly higher risks — veterans and veterinary professionals. Both share unique pressures that can make daily life overwhelming, and both deserve greater awareness, compassion, and support.

Alarming Statistics

Many know that veterans are 1.5 times more likely than the general public to have seriously considered suicide and face a 1.5 times higher risk of suicide. However, studies also show that veterinarians experience similar—and in some cases, even higher—mental health risks. A CDC study found that female veterinarians are 2.1 times more likely and male veterinarians 1.6 times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general public. Additionally, roughly 24.5% of male and 36.7% of female veterinarians have experienced depression. These numbers are not just statistics—they represent lives, families, and communities deeply affected by emotional pain and burnout.

Why These Rates Are So High

For veterinarians, the reasons behind these elevated rates are complex. Many cite the intense emotional demands of their profession: long hours, compassion fatigue, burnout, and the heartbreaking responsibility of performing euthanasia. Financial stress and work-life imbalance add to the pressure, leaving little time for recovery or personal care.

For veterans, the causes often stem from the difficulty of transitioning from military to civilian life, compounded by the emotional and psychological scars of service. High exposure to trauma and stress, combined with easy access to and familiarity with firearms, can tragically increase the risk of suicide.

In both groups, one common thread emerges — people who devote their lives to caring for others (animals or fellow soldiers) often struggle to care for themselves. The expectation to “be strong” can make it difficult to seek help or admit when something feels wrong.

Breaking the Silence

Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Talking openly about depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts doesn’t make someone weak—it can save lives. Whether you’re a veteran, a veterinary professional, or someone who loves them, know that help is available and healing is possible.

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out immediately:

• Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support.

• Veterans can access a wide range of counseling, peer support, and crisis intervention through the VA’s mental health services at va.gov.

• Veterinarians and veterinary professionals can find dedicated mental health resources through Not One More Vet (NOMV) at nomv.org.

• Forefront Suicide Prevention also offers specialized training and education for the veterinary field at intentionalkindness.org.

  
  

Final Thought

You are not alone. Whether you’ve served your country or dedicated your life to animal care, your wellbeing matters. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it’s an act of courage. Together, through awareness, compassion, and support, we can make sure that no one—veteran or veterinarian—fights their battles alone.