The Kentucky Lawyers Assistance Program seeks to improve mental health resources in a field that takes a great mental toll on workers through a first-of-its-kind program.
It includes an anonymous online survey that would be reviewed by a mental health professional. Feedback would be provided to the survey taker based on the results.
A study from ALM says lawyers consider suicide at double or triple the rate of the general population.
Yvette Hourigan is the director of the Kentucky Lawyers Assistance Program. She says one big reason is because of the unique stress points that come with the career.
“Being a doctor, a neurosurgeon is a very stressful profession. But we are singularly a conflict based profession,” Hourigan said. “And the way that conflict impacts your brain is very different from other day to day stressors.”
Hourigan helped organize the program because she believes they help people come forward with their experiences.
“The more that we talk about it out loud, without shame and acknowledge that it is a mental health condition, or a health condition that is treatable, I think the lower the stigma and the more likely people are to get help,” Hourigan said.
More with Hourigan can be heard in this week’s edition of Eastern Standard.
Those experiencing a crisis or suicidal ideation can call 988 or text TALK to 741741 to speak with a trained listener.
