September is Suicide Prevention Month
September is national Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month—a time to share resources about how to take action to help prevent suicide in our communities. A 2023 study reported that attorneys are twice as likely as other working U.S. adults to have suicidal thoughts. The Kansas Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being has devoted September to providing access to help for those in the legal profession who are struggling with suicidal ideation.
Crisis Resources
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. People can call 988 if they are having thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, any other kind of emotional distress, or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. The longer Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) always also remains available.
- NAMI Crisis Text Line. If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can text NAMI at 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor.
- Call 911. If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Informational Resources
- Know the Warning Signs and Risk Factors of Suicide
- Being Prepared for a Crisis
- Navigating a Mental Health Crisis
- Take 5 to Save Lives
- #BeThe1To 5 Action Steps
Articles and Publications
- “Every Lawyer Can Act to Prevent Peer Suicide,” Joan Bibelhausen, Law 360, April 18, 2023.
- “Suicide is Not a Four Letter Word: Straight Talk About Suicide When It Matters Most,” Cynthia Waldt, 2021.
- “Attorney suicide: What every lawyer needs to know,” Jeena Cho, ABA Journal, January 2019.
- “‘Big Law Killed My Husband’: An Open Letter from a Sidley Partner’s Widow,” Joanna Litt, The American Lawyer, November 12, 2018.
- “I’ve Got Your Back; You’ve Got My Ear: Suicide Prevention in the Legal Profession.” American Bar Association, 2016.
Organizations
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ
- Nami Kansas
- Dave Nee Foundation
- The Trevor Project