The Brief
- A CDC study found 1 in 6 veterinary professionals report suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers.
- Research shows U.S. veterinarians are 3 to 5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
- Tampa Bay clinics are sharing mental health resources and urging clients to show patience and kindness.
TAMPA – Veterinarians across Tampa Bay say a mental health crisis is impacting their profession, one that often goes unseen behind exam room doors.
According to the CDC, one in six professionals in the veterinary field report experiencing suicidal thoughts during their careers. The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association notes veterinarians in the United States are three to five times more likely to die by suicide than the general population.
Dr. Melanie Bizzarro, veterinarian and executive director of Harmony Vet Care, a low-cost nonprofit with clinics across Tampa Bay, says the issue hits close to home after losing a classmate to suicide.…