Mental health in the veterinary profession

According to international studies, there are significantly higher rates of burnout, depression and suicide in the veterinary profession compared to other professions. Sometimes the problem of the high stress of the veterinary profession and the fears for the future of students is discussed in popular science articles or media, but there is no scientifically based survey of the situation in Austria. The aim of the project is to assess the psychological well-being of veterinarians and students of veterinary medicine and to find out which stress factors are present in the veterinary profession, in order to be able to implement preventive measures in the future at all levels, from training to professional practice. The aim of the present study is therefore to ask both students of veterinary medicine and registered veterinarians about their current psychological situation. Specific questions of the study are: - What are stress levels, well-being, suicidal experiences and behaviors in veterinary students and practicing veterinarians: Do these differ from the general population and are there aspects that influence this? - What stress factors do practicing veterinarians/students of veterinary medicine experience? To answer these research questions, an online survey will be created, using the platform LimeSurvey. A link to the online survey will be sent by e-mail by the Austrian Veterinary Chamber and the Student Union of the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna to all veterinarians registered in the Veterinary Chamber and all students enrolled in veterinary medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna. Participation is voluntary and without incentives. The data collection is anonymous, the e-mail addresses of the participants cannot be assigned to their personal data, as this is an open, non-personalized survey.