A mental health survey revealed that she was not alone because 1 in 6 veterinarians contemplate suicide. Another study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine revealed that animal rescue workers have a suicide rate of 5.3 in 1 million workers–this is the highest suicide rate among American workers.
Most of these rescue workers are volunteers, so they do this on their spare time. Finding foster homes for animals is very difficult and many of them, as well as veterinarians take as many animals as they can into their own homes. Many of these animals are undernourished, have behavioral or medical issues that puts on even more stress.
It’s something that needs to be addressed and there are ways you can help, such as becoming an animal foster parent and even volunteer your time at your local shelter. For more information on the Compassion Awareness Project visit their website.
