Well that's not good news (veterinary suicide rates)

[cjsmith]

Even though it's not at all surprising, it's still not great to see it confirmed.

CDC study validates concerns about veterinary suicides

It seems there are a few factors here. People who become veterinarians tend to be people with personality traits that correlate with higher suicide risk, such as perfectionism. People who become veterinarians (especially in general practice) often have intense financial stresses, especially if they stay in the field (and many have no good options to leave). Working as a veterinarian is just plain brutal, more so for the tenderhearted caring types who are drawn to the field in the first place. And of course, for those who opt for drugs as their method of choice, the vast majority of veterinarians have good access to pharmaceuticals.

Comments

[amaebi]

We are a brutal set of societies, in the US. Until I heard that story-- last week, I think? I hadn't known veterinarians were among the harder-hit. :(

[cjsmith]

We are pretty brutal, yeah. :( Every time I realize that, I reaffirm my desire to be compassionate when I can. (Not that I'm necessarily any great prize along that axis, but I can always try.)

[amaebi]

And here's the weird part: individual compassion is often saluted, though more quietly taken as a sign that one's a sucker, by some.

Why the hell do we USians want a counter-productive system that grinds people up, and also want individuals and firms to exercise individual compassion?

[cjsmith]

I'm not sure we want such a system, but we sure do HAVE such a system.

I want individuals to exercise compassion because I value compassion. I have an inner belief that the world is not a nice place, and that individuals can help make it a little less not-nice by trying to be decent to each other.

[amaebi]

Yes. I couldn't agree more if I had a dump truck. :/

[cjsmith]

♥

[hitchhiker]

the world could definitely use more compassion and kindness ♥

[cjsmith]

I agree. And I would like to become a lot better at both.