Attachment loss and trauma: A descriptive phenomenological analysis of suicidality and depression in veterinarians.

Abstract

Objective: Suicidality and depression are disproportionately prevalent among veterinarians. Researchers for this study sought to explore the lived experiences of veterinarians in order to better identify the factors that contribute to this phenomenon. Method: Using a qualitative descriptive phenomenological approach, small animal veterinarians in the greater Seattle area were interviewed and provided their respective occupational experiences as they related to depression, suicidality, and coping. Results: Analysis of the interviews revealed attachment loss and trauma to be primary factors contributing to veterinary depression and suicidality. Conclusions: These findings provide the basis for future research and traumainformed interventions to reduce distress and suicidality in this population. Clinical Impact StatementVeterinarians are a unique, vulnerable, and underserved population. Their mental health experiences include traumatic occupational events that require attention. There exists an opportunity to deploy trauma-informed interventions to decrease distress, depression, and instances of death by suicide. Because the workplace stress is unlikely to change, psychologists are well situated to provide critical support to address role strain, significant mental health concerns, and instillation of strategies for processing and coping with occupational trauma.

Resilience in animal care professions: does the stress shield model fit?

“…Previous studies in the animal carer populations have supported this proposition with increasing job control and organisational resources associated with reductions in burnout, exhaustion, and psychological distress, along with increases in work engagement (Black et al, 2011;Kimber & Gardner, 2016). Other resources, such as environments supporting processing of emotions and encouraging learning are also regarded as valuable sources of coping by animal care professionals (Waters et al, 2019). These findings support predictions of the SSM, where availability of organisational resources is expected to predict increasing empowerment and outcomes in resilience.…”

“…Interactions with human owners of unwell pets is another source of stress, as an owner's grief, unrealistic expectations, anger, refusal to pay or follow best-practice treatment can increase emotional and empathetic burden (Deacon & Brough, 2019;Polachek & Wallace, 2018). Death or illness of an animal in care can be difficult, particularly when a human-animal bond has been formed (LaFollette et al, 2020;Waters et al, 2019). Death may be a result of euthanasia which can be performed for a variety of reasons, such as on compassionate grounds to end suffering (Von Dietze & Gardner, 2014), at completion of laboratory studies (LaFollette et al, 2020), or due to a human client's financial situation or unwillingness to treat (Deacon & Brough, 2019).…”

“…Furthermore, positive relationships promote knowledge sharing and assistance with skill development, subsequently developing employee competency (Paton et al, 2008;Seers, 1989). Support for these theories has been found in animal care professionals, who have reported collegial support and sharing experiences as important in making sense of loss and challenges (Scotney, 2017;Waters et al, 2019).…”

Prevalence and individual and work-related factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours among veterinarians in Norway: a cross-sectional, nationwide survey-based study (the NORVET study)

“… 10 Dealing with bereaved clients (ie, animal owners) has been shown to impact the mental health of veterinarians, 11 and attachment loss and trauma can contribute to both depression and suicidality. 12 Preoccupation, self-doubt, conflicting responsibilities (care of animals/human clients/financial demands) and insufficient support were important factors of job stress among veterinarians in a qualitative study. 13 When searching for independent work-related factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviour, it is important to control for known individual factors.…”

“…It has been suggested that suicidal ideation among veterinarians is linked to the demanding nature of their work 10. Dealing with bereaved clients (ie, animal owners) has been shown to impact the mental health of veterinarians,11 and attachment loss and trauma can contribute to both depression and suicidality 12. Preoccupation, self-doubt, conflicting responsibilities (care of animals/human clients/financial demands) and insufficient support were important factors of job stress among veterinarians in a qualitative study 13.…”