[derbOac]

I think this is a dangerous way to approach the problem. Regardless of whether or not the assertion that the "primary factor is they know how", the underlying cause is distress and hopelessness.

I'm frustrated a bit by how discussions of suicide — with vets as well as others — tends to focus on making the means less available, as if it just solves the problem. That's a solution for society, to wash their hands of addressing the underling problems, and not a solution for the person suffering.

Veterinarians should be in a position where they don't want to commit suicide, regardless of whether they have the means.

[candybar]

Sure, but at this point you're no longer talking about why vets are dying from suicide at a higher rate. We don't know if vets tend to deal with more "distress and hopelessness" than the general population.

[stvltvs]

It doesn't need to be either/or. Both aspects are important. If I or someone in my household were experiencing suicidal ideation, I'd remove firearms, for example, from the house while also trying to addressing the underlying causes.