Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the importance of mental health awareness and the need to support those who may be struggling by listening to them, reminding them that they matter, and assisting them in getting help.
Studies consistently show that lawyers face higher-than-average rates of depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidal ideation. The pressure to win cases, manage demanding workloads, and shoulder the weight of clients’ lives and livelihoods can take a significant toll on mental well-being.
Why Lawyers Are at Higher Risk
The practice of law often combines long hours, high stress, financial pressures, and exposure to trauma. Trial lawyers in particular may encounter emotionally charged cases that deeply affect them. On top of this, the culture of the legal profession has historically discouraged conversations about mental health, making it harder for lawyers to ask for help.
Resources
Resources and support are available, and reaching out can save lives. Some key organizations include:
1. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 if you or someone you know is in immediate crisis. You can also chat with the lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
2. American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs (CoLAP): Provides confidential support and connects lawyers to local Lawyer Assistance Programs.
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers education, resources, and support for individuals and families.
How We Can Help Each Other
As colleagues, friends, family, and peers, we all play a role in suicide prevention. If you notice someone struggling, reach out, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek professional support. Reducing stigma around mental health starts with open, honest conversations.
At Advocate Capital, we care deeply about the well-being of the lawyers we serve. Trial attorneys fight tirelessly for their clients, but they also deserve care and compassion themselves. This month, and every month, we encourage our friends in the legal community to prioritize mental health, lean on resources, and know that you are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
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