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Parallel suicide risks for farmers and veterinarians

A recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention says the farming industry has the highest suicide rate among males.

Chandra Grabill, a psychologist with Michigan State University’s College of Veterinarian Medicine, tells Brownfield there are similarities between the suicide risk factors between veterinarians and farmers including working in isolation, access and knowledge to the means to commit suicide and financial stress.  “Men in particular are likely to die from suicide as a result of guns and that is less likely for veterinarians, they’re more likely to die from overdose.”

Grabill says early signs of suicide risk include changes in mood, behavior or sleep, substance abuse or statements about suicide.  “We know that depression is a risk factor for suicide, not all people who are depressed are suicidal, but most of the people who are suicidal are depressed.”

The 2012 study by the CDC collected data from 17 states and found workers in the farming, fishing and forestry occupations had the highest rate of suicide, with men over 65 at greatest risk.

AUDIO: Interview with Chandra Grabill