I am not currently in crisis. I have been out of real danger at my own hand for several years and have so many safeguards in place to protect myself and my mental health.
I hope you do also.
Beautiful mums from Mom and Dad’s garden
In 2017, I wrote about my depression when it was at its worst - after I was through the worst of it - over several blog posts on this site. You can read those posts starting HERE.
I have STORIES.
Flowers from one of my brother Dave’s friends who owned the wonderful flower shop “Matilde” that was in the Old Market
But I do not have advice. No fail-safe steps to take. No easy answer or answers to the complex issues surrounding mental and emotional well-being. It is a spectrum from truly thriving to being at real risk, with complexities and variations that change over time.
I am here with you though. And I will sit with you. And I will stay. And when I ask how you are, I love it so much that you tell me. Not one of you has ever said fine unless you truly mean it. Thank you.
And friends in the veterinary field, our risks of poor mental health - and heart-wrenchingly, suicide - are so very much higher than those in almost any other career field, though it is high in many fields and of course not career or job linked in so many situations, and every one of us has such unique stories and circumstances.
The risk of suicide among veterinary team members as a percentage of our total members rivals the risks to military members and previous military members. God help us, it is not a contest any of us wants to be winning.
I have absolutely no commentary on the recent loss to our profession of a young, new equine veterinarian. I did not know her. I do not know her struggles. My heart and prayers go out to her and her family. I have cried this week for Dr. Cierra Cadena and her family. I wish things had been different for her. I wish she were still here.
A gorgeous arrangement from a wonderful client after the euthanasia of her sweet dog - the flowers lasted over three weeks <3
Take care of yourself - now while things are not a crisis. And if they are, step back. Do what you need to do or find someone who can get you to where you need to be.
I love you.
It gets better. I promise.
Morning glories in our garden
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States - English and Spanish
Text or call 988