This Mental Illness Awareness Week, participate in no-cost QPR training

by Stacy Parmer, LPC, LMFT, NCC, MOLAP director

The first full week of October is Mental Health Awareness Week. 

Lawyers often encounter people in emotional pain, and the profession itself has elevated rates of depression, stress, loneliness, substance use, and suicide. Lawyers are particularly vulnerable to suicide.

According to Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk, in 2023 by Krill, et. al.,

• People who reported high levels of stress were more than 20 times as likely to think about suicide. 
• Lawyers who felt lonely or socially isolated were three times as likely to experience suicidal thoughts.
• Those who identified as overcommitted to work, including having difficulty disconnecting from work, were twice as likely to consider suicide

What can you do to begin to address suicide in the legal profession? 

The first step is to assess yourself for stress, loneliness, and overcommitment. While self-tests are not a substitute for a professional evaluation (MOLAP clinicians can provide a confidential and free evaluation in person), they can help you understand if loneliness and stress are problematic in your life.

The second step is to raise awareness by educating yourself on the issue of suicide and developing a level of comfortability in asking the right questions to those who may be at risk. The Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program (MOLAP), in collaboration with the Standing Committee on Well-being in the Profession, is offering 3 free QPR training courses (1.6 MCLE/Ethics) in October. Two of the trainings, will be offered at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day, and the last training will be offered Oct. 25.  

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.

To help change the culture of the legal profession to have open conversations about mental health, substance use, and well-being, lawyers can tell their coworkers and colleagues about MOLAP and the resources and support available to them, so they don’t have to suffer in silence. You can reach out to MOLAP to provide training to your organization, law firm, or office. 

Reaching out for help, education, and training are signs of strength and hope, and we are here to support you! Please consult the Missouri Lawyers’ Assistance Program at 1-800-688-7859 for free, confidential counseling, education, and training. 

References:

Krill, PR, Thomas HM, Kramer MR, Degeneffe N, Anker JJ. Stressed, Lonely, and Overcommitted: Predictors of Lawyer Suicide Risk. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Feb 11;11(4):536.