More than 2500 people from 86 different countries are expected to attend a global veterinary conference in Dublin this week.
The event, which began this morning, is the 33rd World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) and 14th Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) Congress.
In the opening session the conference heard that the suicide rate among veterinarians was four times that of the general public.
Psychotherapist Martina Anne Kinsella told the conference that research had found vets had the highest suicide rate of all professions. The rate was twice that of doctors and dentists.
Ms Kinsella described the statistics as alarming and said "everything must be done to encourage vets to speak out" and to seek help "rather than hiding their distress". She said "placing the profession on a pedestal is to be absolutely and completely discouraged, as such an environment leaves no room for vulnerability".
The senior vice president of the Society for Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) John Hill, a vet from Crumlin in Co Antrim, said suicide was the worst aspect of the veterinary profession.
He said highly-motivated people went into the profession but quickly found themselves disillusioned when they found themselves working in isolated areas following graduation. He added that stress and easy access to drugs contributed greatly to the high suicide rates.
The conference continues until Sunday and will feature over 250 lectures on subjects such as animal welfare, biting dogs and MRSA.
An exhibition will also take place in the RDS over the four days, featuring more than 100 stands.
The opening ceremony takes place in the RDS this evening, with live sheepdog trials, a display from the Irish pony club and a performance by Irish musical group Electric Ceílí.
A meeting of representatives from 40 veterinary associations in Europe (FECACA Council) will take place on Saturday.