Every April, the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) Wellness Committee encourages veterinary schools across the nation to gather in memory of students and veterinarians who have lost their lives to suicide. On Wednesday, April 4, Purdue Veterinary Medicine students, faculty, and staff gathered to provide support and spread awareness on issues revolving around suicide and mental health in the veterinary profession. “Stress and depression are issues that a lot of us are facing whether we feel comfortable sharing it or not,” said Kristi Crow, SAVMA Purdue president-elect and member of the DVM Class of 2020. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the stress of school, especially at the end of the semester so we wanted to take this day as an opportunity to allow students and faculty to engage in meaningful conversations and know that they are not alone.”
Attendees showed their support by wearing a blue ribbon in honor of mental health and writing down what they love about veterinary medicine. As they enjoyed ice cream and conversation, they were reminded that togetherness is sweet!
“It was so wonderful to see students, interns, residents, staff, and faculty all show support of Vet Med United and take a stance against suicide in veterinary medicine,” said SAVMA Purdue President Brenda Najar, of the DVM Class of 2019. “We want our PVM family to know they have resources when times get hard, and it’s important to remember we are here for each other, especially towards the end of the semester as exams, deadlines, and commitments build up quickly.” Brenda added, “Stress and depression are real obstacles students face throughout our education when presented with massive workloads and high expectations as professional students. Events like Vet Med United allow us to join in solidarity with the entire veterinary profession and say, ‘We are not alone.’ We won’t stand to see one more vet lost to suicide. We are all good enough, and we are all in this together.”