Study Reveals Stigma and Fear Prevent Veterinarians from Seeking Help for Alcohol and Mental Health Issues
Veterinarians Face Barriers to Support Amid High Stress and a Culture of Drinking
A new study from Oxford Brookes University highlights the challenges faced by UK veterinarians struggling with mental health and alcohol-related issues. Conducted by Dr. Jennifer Seddon, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, and Olivia Cormier, a veterinary surgeon and researcher, the study sheds light on how stigma and fear of professional repercussions deter veterinarians from seeking help. Published in the journal Veterinary Record, the research underscores an urgent need for cultural and systemic changes within the veterinary profession.
A Profession Under Pressure: Mental Health and Alcohol Use Among Veterinarians
Veterinarians deal with unique pressures, from long hours and emotionally challenging cases to the high standards expected by clients and regulatory bodies. This stress often leads to burnout and can contribute to problem drinking. Participants in the study described using alcohol as a coping mechanism to decompress after hard days, a practice that begins in veterinary school and continues into professional life.
“The ability to bond over drinks at social and professional events has normalized drinking within the field,” explained Dr. Seddon. “However, this normalization can obscure the line between social drinking and problem drinking, making it difficult for professionals to recognize when they need help.”
Stigma and Fear of Professional Consequences
The study found that veterinarians struggling with alcohol and mental health issues often fear that seeking support could lead to disciplinary action from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), the UK’s regulatory body. Many worry that disclosing their struggles could label them as “untrustworthy” or incompetent in the eyes of colleagues and clients.
Participants shared how these fears contributed to their reluctance to seek help, reinforcing a stigma that associates mental health challenges and alcohol use with professional inadequacy. This cycle, according to Dr. Seddon, negatively impacts both mental health and job performance. "Veterinarians who fear stigma and disciplinary consequences are often unwilling to ask for help, which can worsen their mental health," she said.
Alcohol Use and Its Impact on Mental Health
In addition to being a social norm within the profession, alcohol often becomes a coping mechanism for veterinarians dealing with stress, leading to harmful cycles of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. Seven out of the 17 study participants shared experiences of struggling with alcohol, linking excessive drinking with worsening mental health. Many described how drinking aggravated their feelings of anxiety and hopelessness.
Dr. Seddon commented on these findings: “We know from previous studies that veterinarians are at higher risk for problematic drinking than the general population. Our study is the first to explore the lived experiences of veterinarians in the UK with alcohol issues, revealing how fear of stigma and regulatory action limits access to support.”
Moving Forward: Reducing Stigma and Supporting Mental Health in Veterinary Practice
The study underscores the need for initiatives to address alcohol-related stigma and provide better support systems for veterinarians. Dr. Seddon suggests that the veterinary profession should create a culture where help-seeking is encouraged and professionals feel safe to discuss their struggles without fear of judgment or repercussions.
“We need to shift the perception around mental health and alcohol use within the veterinary community. Early help-seeking should be supported and destigmatized, allowing veterinarians to access the assistance they need to manage stress and improve well-being,” Dr. Seddon emphasized.
This study highlights a critical call for action within the veterinary field to foster a healthier, more supportive environment for professionals, enabling them to care for themselves as they care for others.
