Notes from Dr. Andrew’s Meeting on Suicide and Building Resiliency in the Veterinary Profession

March 27, 2019   

Speaker: Dr. David Andrews

(taken by Dr. Gina Vance, attendee at the meeting)

 

Myths of Suicide:

  • Talking about it may plant the idea    (talking about it brings it out in the open, can help prevent it)
  • People who talk about killing themselves should not be taken seriously   (always respond to this!!)
  • A suicide attempt will not be followed by another attempt
  • Suicidal people want to die
  • There are no warning signs of suicide
  • Christmas is the season of suicide   (actually peaks right after holidays, Jan  - Feb)
  • Owning a pet reduces the risk of suicide   (pets help, they do not prevent, veterinary suicide is 1 in 6)

 

Dr. Andrew’s Five “C’s” of Building Resiliency:

1. Community:

Recognize that this is a community issue, and community problems require community approaches

EVERYBODY owns this problem, NOBODY can solve it on their own

 

2. Communication:

Shared experiences help us find solace knowing that we’re not alone

Connect with family, friends, co-workers, and organizations who can help build resilience

Draw on mentors, older veterinarians who have “in-house” expertise on dealing with stress common to veterinary practice, relationships, life in general

 

3. Commitment:

As an Organization:

Find experts and support systems: non-profit groups, academia, survivors, resilience consultants, Employee Resource Groups

Commit to building resilience as part of your organizational identity

Lead through tangible actions and commit to a culture of inclusiveness

Pick at least 5 random days throughout the year to reaffirm your commitment to suicide prevention and a culture of inclusiveness and positivity

 

Commitment as an Individual:

Make a pledge to help one another; to find mentors, to be mentors

Commit to helping others now and in the future

Sincerely ASK:     How are you doing?      How can I help?

Be a beacon of hope, grace, and authenticity

One kind gesture can be the difference between life and death

Changing mindsets, culture, and resilience starts with you

You DO NOT have to be in a leadership position to be a leader

There is never a good excuse for ignoring someone in need of help

Volunteer in your community;

  • The more you give, the more you get
  • Charity work helps foster connections and build your resilience

 

4. Culture:

Culture is a mindset and group of unspoken rules of etiquette, cooperation, and compassion when we face adversity

Culture is influenced by strategic goals (including business, marketing)  and political goals

Building and changing culture does not happen overnight

To help identify your culture, ask these 3 questions:

  1. Why did you choose this profession?
  2. Why did you choose this organization?
  3. Describe your best day in this organization

 

5. Courage:

When you need help:

Do not isolate or cowboy through it by yourself – going it alone DOES NOT work, there is no need to suffer alone

Get help early and often: seeking help is a sign of strength

 

To Give Help:

  • Discuss the problem openly: if you’re worried about someone, ask!
  • Understand the difference between needing space and seeking isolation
  • Encourage and support the people who seek help; they need you!

Learn about and support the programs that work to build resilience

 

Why a Resilience Program (like “Remount:” Equine Assisted Learning) works:

  • Environment: outside of the clinical setting

  • Relearning how to connect and bond: Horses sense and accept the brokenness
  • Experiential processing: Coming to grips with who you are now
  • Taking ownership of your healing: Moving forward with purpose and grace

 

What does “Remount” Mean?  Recognize you have fallen off the horse, tools to put foot back in stirrup and ride again

Rebuilding Lives by:

  • Stopping the downward spiral
  • Discovering a new sanctuary
  • Finding peace and forgiveness
  • Building the new narrative, using storytelling as a means of processing, be purposeful, but don’t dwell on failure
  • Sharing your story is difficult, but you must learn to lead by deed
  • Building a new vision of your future

Rediscovering Purpose By:

  • Embrace wisdom, humility, and authenticity
  • Finding forgiveness, you are strong for seeking help!
  • Honor memories; don’t succumb to them. Be purposeful as you review, do not stew
  • Resilience is a muscle you must build and exercise
  • Rekindle hope, be passionate about your new purpose in life