Former ETRC member and graduate of UTCVM has died

[fishdoc11]

Missed you too Mel

Just wanted ETRC to know the flowers you sent were the nicest ones there...it was a nice service. Paul had LOTS of people that cared a great deal for him. He is with the Lord now and not suffering any more.

thanks, Chris

 

[vol_reefer]

I just caught this thread. What a tragedy. He'll sure be missed.

Jeff

 

[gflat65]

Still tearing me up... You don't really think about how a seemingly casual acquaintance can touch you until something this happens. I'd only seen Paul at four or five swaps, but like Dave said, his genuine nature was obvious and encroaching.

 

[fishdoc11]

FWIW we had a meeting of recent UTCVM alumni and we are putting together a video about suicide prevention and encouraging people to reach out with mental problems that they have a hard time asking for help with. There is nothing to ashamed of when going through hard times. We have all had to go through them likley more than once. Hopefully the video can be distributed to vet schools throughout the country and be a part of standard training to help those who are feeling helpless. Vet school and internships/residencies after vet school can be extremely stressful. I guess the whole point in this note is that Paul's legacy will live on in an area he mentioned was very important to him in his last days.
thanks, Chris

 

[EvilMel]

Hollar at me if you want me to help out with the video, Chris. I wasn't in vet school but graduate school is just as difficult (emotionally) and I had some serious problems during grad school. I wouldn't ever have committed suicide but it was thanks to the resources at UT's student mental health clinic that I made it through that time. It was VERY difficult emotionally.

 

[NeveSSL]

Graduate school was a relief for me. It was my undergrad that I went through a lot of emotional struggles. It was mainly working 35 hours a week and having labs from midnight to 8AM. This made for some very, very long days. It was a very stressful time and my grades at the time reflected it. I hate the way it came into existence, but I love what you guys are doing. It is probably more needed than known.

Brandon

 

[tlgreve]

That is very sad, I didn't know him but he looked like a really nice guy. I might have even passed him when I was going to UT on the Ag campus. College is extremely stressful, I too took advantage of the mental health clinic. It's a great idea to make a video to reach out to students and let them know where they can find help. Let me know if I can help.

 

[fishdoc11]

Thanks guys for the kind/thoughtful words. Paul was a very special person (who was only 27 when he died) and his desire to help others with the stress of professional school will now become a reality. UTCVM's social work program is taking the lead and will be making a video using primarily vet students. Thanks much for the offers to help I'll let you guys know if that's something that's needed.

Chris

 

[TriMax]

Chris

Thanks for keeping us updated. Paul will be missed in the ETRC for a long time. Hopefully this video will help others.

 

[macclellan]

Good stuff Chris. Grad/professional school is crazy-stressful. Here's to hoping that more can get the help they need.