September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and despite high rates of depression throughout the legal community, far too few are educated about mental health and suicide prevention. Thankfully, there are numerous resources tailored to the unique experiences of the legal community. Our friends at Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) provide a confidential hotline at 1-888-999-1941 open to all Pennsylvania lawyers, judges, law students, and family members of legal professionals in need of support. Among their offered resources and services are:
- General information, resources, and free literature;
- Referral to a qualified healthcare provider for a free and confidential consultation and diagnosis;
- Development of a personalized treatment plan, if indicated, by a healthcare professional;
- Assistance with treatment admissions;
- Peer support from a recovering law student or lawyer who has faced and overcome similar mental health or substance use challenges;
- Resource coordination and ongoing support by LCL staff; and
- Information on lawyer- and law student-only support groups.
Suicide is complicated and tragic, but it is often preventable. Knowing the warning signs for suicide can save lives. Learn about behaviors that may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide via the National Institute of Mental Health website.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at “988” immediately. Consider adding the lifeline (988) to your phone now; it could save a life later.