2024 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

by Stacy Parmer, LPC, LMFT, NCC
MOLAP director

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month happens in September. This is a time to remember the lives lost to suicide, to acknowledge the millions worldwide who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and to stand in solidarity with the individuals who have been impacted by suicide (SAMHSA).

Depression, stress, substance use, and loneliness are contributors to suicidal thoughts and increase the risk of suicide. According to an article on Reuters.com, an average of 4.3% of U.S. adults have contemplated suicide, meaning they think they would be better off dead or of hurting themselves in some way. 

For lawyers, that statistic is more than double. An estimated 8.5% of lawyers have contemplated suicide. Attorneys often encounter people in emotional pain, and the profession itself has elevated rates of depression, stress, loneliness, and substance use. The article in Reuters referenced a survey of nearly 2,000 lawyers and found that lawyers who report feeling a high level of stress are 22 times more prone to suicidal ideation than their low-stress counterparts.

The Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program and the Standing Committee on Well-Being in the Profession are committed to raising awareness of suicide prevention and reducing the statistics referenced above. We are supporting the initiative by participating in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Out of the Darkness Walks in collaboration with the events planned in St. Louis, Springfield, Kansas City, and Columbia. Find more information about the walks here. 

In addition to the walks, MOLAP will be offering depression screenings throughout the month of September, either telephonically by a licensed clinician or through a self-assessment here.  

MOLAP will also offer two no-cost, QPR trainings on Sept. 16 and Oct. 25 at noon. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. QPR training teaches simple, practical, and proven steps anyone can take to respond to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught suicide prevention gatekeeper training in the world. Participants will become more comfortable and confident in broaching the sensitive subject of suicide, receive support resources, and have the opportunity to practice and discuss skills learned.

If you’d like to support, volunteer, donate, or participate in the Out of Darkness walks, dates and team links are listed below with the respective team leaders.

9/22/24    St. Louis: BAMSL/MOBAR Lawyers Living Well - Fundraising For American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org)

9/28/24    Springfield/Greene County: Erica Mynarich - Fundraising For American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org)

10/5/24    Kansas City: Whitney Fay - Fundraising For American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org)

10/27/24  Columbia: Stacy Parmer - Fundraising For American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (afsp.org)

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate help, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 or using the chat box at 988lifeline.org/chat.

Asking for help is a sign of strength and hope. If you would like to discuss suicidal ideation, depression, stress, loneliness, or substance use, the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program is here to support you! Please consult the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program at 1-800-688-7859 for free, confidential counseling. 

References:

Greene, Jenna. (2023, February 15). Stressed, lonely, overworked: What new study tells us about lawyer suicide risk. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/stressed-lonely-overworked-what-new-study-tells-us-about-lawyer-suicide-risk-2023-02-15.

Suicide Prevention Month. Samhsa. https://www.samhsa.gov