Out of the darkness: One relief veterinarian’s story

Editor's note: This article includes discussion of suicide, depression, and mental health issues. If you are experiencing feelings of depression or suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK; 800-273-8255; suicidepreventionlifeline.org). It's 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No matter what problems you are dealing with, people on the other end of the line will help you find a reason to keep living.

Quincy Hawley, DVM, a 2013 graduate of North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, practiced veterinary medicine in Fayetteville for 5 years before deciding to pursue his true life’s mission: providing wellness solutions for as many people in the veterinary community as possible. Hawley does this through Get MotiVETed!, an online community he cofounded to help veterinary professionals around the world learn to enjoy veterinary medicine rather than enduring it.

Before Hawley transitioned from practicing medicine to coaching peers, he experienced a sustained dark period in his life during which he contemplated suicide. With news over the weekend of a Wisconsin veterinarian taking his own life, it is more important than ever to keep the dialogue open and do all we can to help colleagues who are struggling.

Hawley was friendly and engaging when dvm360® spoke with him recently about his personal path to well-being. It’s hard to imagine this veterinarian and family man so despondent that he considered suicide. Here, Hawley shares some of his struggle, including the commitment he made to himself that has made an “astronomical difference” in his life.