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A MESSAGE FROM KYLAP:

Are you or someone you know struggling with suicide? Talk to someone now.

1-800-273-8255 

CALL THE SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE if you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support. The Suicide Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

There is Hope

Suicide is not inevitable for anyone. By starting the conversation, providing support, and directing help to those who need it, we can prevent suicides and save lives. 

We Can All Take Action

Evidence shows that providing support services, talking about suicide, reducing access to means of self-harm, and following up with loved ones are just some of the actions we can all take to help others.

Crisis Centers are Critical

By offering immediate counseling to everyone that may need it, local crisis centers provide invaluable support at critical times and connect individuals to local services.

 

Know the Risk Factors

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide. They can’t cause or predict a suicide attempt, but they’re important to be aware of.

  • Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Hopelessness
  • Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
  • History of trauma or abuse
  • Major physical illnesses
  • Previous suicide attempt(s)
  • Family history of suicide
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship(s)
  • Easy access to lethal means
  • Local clusters of suicide
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation
  • Stigma associated with asking for help
  • Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
  • Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

 

Know the Warning Signs

Some warning signs may help you determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss, or change. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these, seek help by calling the Lifeline.

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
  • Talking about being a burden to others
  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves
  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
  • Extreme mood swings

Lawyer Well-Being In The Time of Covid-19 Redux On Demand

SPEAKERS: John Walsh, Ph.D., James Shields, Psy.D.

Click Here for Registration

Due to the overwhelming response to Lawyer Well-Being in the Time of COVID CLE on May 22, 2020, and August 7, 2020 KYLAP, in conjunction with the Association of Corporate Counsel, are happy to present on demand access to Lawyer Well-Being In The Time of Covid-19 Redux

Join our well-known experts, John Walsh, Ph.D., and James Shields, Psy.D., as we delve further into the well-being of lawyers, as we face the re-opening of the courts and schools – all in a very different reality. Our first event focused on some of our initial issues with sheltering in place and the effects of isolation. This event will focus on the profound anxiety and stressors we’re facing as we begin working almost exclusively in a virtual world, and as our kids begin the school year using virtual or distance learning, also. Managing the double-duties of practicing law and educating our children, in addition to our regular stressors in the practice can seem overwhelming. Our experts will offer practical tips and advice on maintaining our mental health so that our practices don’t suffer as we perform the additional responsibilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

KYLAP Update on Coronvirus

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak and out of an abundance of
caution, the Kentucky Bar Center will be closed indefinitely. This is an ongoing situation and the KBA leadership will be assessing the situation daily.  Information on the status of the Bar Center will be available on the KBA website at www.kybar.org.

KYLAP services are still available to the extent possible.  To resolve your issue or to speak with someone, please call the KYLAP office on our
direct line (no operator required) at 502-226-9373. This telephone is
answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our
answering service.  We will receive messages with only a short delay.
You may also call me directly on my cell phone at 859-221-0806.

If this is a true emergency, please call 911 immediately, or go to
your nearest emergency room.  You may also call the Suicide Prevention
Help Line at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). Veterans select Option 1. You can also text the helpline at 741741.

MENTAL HEALTH AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR THE LEGAL PROFESSION DURING COVID-19

GENERAL HEALTH INFORMATION:  

Centers for Disease Control:  Extensive health and mental health information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Reducing Stigma for Certain Populations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/reducing-stigma.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/related-stigma.html 

Coping during the Coronavirus Pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

JOHNS HOPKINS: https://hub.jhu.edu/novel-coronavirus-information/

ANXIETY 

For free confidential, 24/7 support for anxiety, text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line which is 741741: https://www.crisistextline.org/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_oirlKyf6AIVjIbACh2H7AzdEAAYASAAEgJhyfD_BwE 

Science-based strategies for coping with Covid anxiety: https://theconversation.com/7-science-based-strategies-to-cope-with-coronavirus-anxiety-133207

OFFICE MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP

This article discusses organizational leadership and managing COVID-19 panic: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janbruce/2020/03/05/the-leaders-guide-to-managing-covid-19-panic/#726c5e5d59ea

ABA CORONAVIRUS TASK FORCE

Free YouTube video series about working remotely, SBA loans and other topics affecting legal practice during Covid-19. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvtFMPoLYr-L4FcpFql7gpA/videos

FindLaw offers free Covid-19 information and resources for legal professionals. https://practice.findlaw.com/covid-19-resources-for-legal-professionals-.html

Prioritizing in a pandemic for law firms (free videos from the NC Bar Association) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jv6V2NxTAow

COVID-19 AND THE COURTS

https://kycourts.gov/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx

COVID-19 AND CLE

Supreme Court order gives attorneys more time to
complete continuing legal education for 2019-2020 educational year: https://www.kybar.org/view.aspxmessageId=1ce7c238787b45d88352edc9de0781e3

CAREER CONCERNS

What Attorneys Should Do to Protect their Career if (1) You Are Worried About a Recession, (2) This is a Recession, or (3) a Major Slowdown in Work at Your Firm (or in Your Practice Area): https://www.bcgsearch.com/article/900050489/What-to-Do-if-there-is-No-Work-in-Your-Practice-Area-or-Work-in-Your-Practice-Area-Slows-Down/?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=socialnetwork

Here are tips for working remotely from Fast Company: https://www.fastcompany.com/90475330/8-strategies-to-set-up-remote-work-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak

RESOURCES FOR LAW STUDENTS

American Bar Association’s Before the Bar: Coronavirus information and resources for law students: https://abaforlawstudents.com/2020/03/19/coronavirus-resources-and-information-for-law-students/

Your Law School Went Online. Now What? https://abaforlawstudents.com/2020/03/11/coronavirus-your-law-school-went-online-now-what/

How to Plan for Take Home Exams: https://abaforlawstudents.com/2020/03/30/how-to-plan-for-take-home-exams/

Mental Health Toolkit for Law Students and Those Who Care for Them: https://abaforlawstudents.com/events/initiatives-and-awards/mental-health-resources/ 

PANIC

This article shares specifics about mental health and panic associated with COVID-19: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/03/11/coronavirus-and-your-mental-health-two-experts-explain-why-we-panic-and-how-to-cope.html 

SOCIAL DISTANCING 

Coping mentally with social distancing, isolation and quarantine (4 page flyer from SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/tips-social-distancing-quarantine-isolation-031620.pdf

Tools to Help With Isolation: What better time than to listen to some good AA Speakers, Workshops and other goodies.  Don’t let staying at home keep you from improving your tools in recovery.  We have to stay vigilant and I know you will enjoy these powerful messages from the speakers and workshops in this link. Click Here

STAYING MENTALLY HEALTHY

Mindfulness in Law Society Mindful Evenings: https://mindfulnessinlawsociety.com/mindful-evenings/

Challenges for mental health and coping mechanisms during COVID-19 outlined by the CDC at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/coping.html

Great tips for staying mentally healthy: https://www.changedirection.org/staying-mentally-healthy-during-covid-19/

Find tips for managing our mental health in troubling times:  https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/

National Association for the Mentally Ill Online Support Groups: https://namimainlinepa.org/online-and-telephone-support-groups/?fbclid=IwAR0QZnWSDebKDTYZM6I1nhPA0G7xZKrJi3AJ-YK-NiZlGkQhRFksAoo1DiA 

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: https://www.dbsalliance.org/…/chapte…/online-support-groups/

STRESS

This article provides tips on managing stress levels in the office: https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/how-do-you-reduce-stress

Coping with Stress (4 page flyer from SAMHSA): file:///C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/IBCZPPIH/Coping%20w%20Stress%20During%20Infectious%20Disease%20Outbreaks.pdf 

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG RECOVERY RESOURCES (Including online meetings)

KYLAP IS HOSTING MULTIPLE ONLINE ZOOM RECOVERY MEETINGS EACH WEEK.  IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO THOSE MEETINGS, PLEASE EMAIL ABEITZ@KYLAP.ORG TO BE PUT ON OUR INFORMATION LIST AND A PERSONAL (NOT GROUP) EMAIL OR TEXT WILL BE SENT TO YOU WITH LOGIN INFORMATION. NEW MEETING LOG-IN CREDENTIALS WILL BE GENERATED EACH WEEK TO ENSURE MEETING CONFIDENTIALITY. 

All Lawyer Meeting- Monday, 5:00PM on ZOOM

Lexington Lawyers in Recovery Meeting- Wednesday, 7:30AM on ZOOM

Northern Kentucky Lawyers in Recovery Meeting- Thursday, 5:00PM on ZOOM

ONLINE RECOVERY MEETINGS GENERALLY

In the Rooms: https://www.intherooms.com/home/

ILAA Zoom Meetings: Email for Zoom link and login ilaaregistration@live.com

Lion Rock Recovery: www.lionrockrecovery.com 

The Token Shop: https://www.thetokenshop.com/Online_AA_Meetings 

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings: http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php

AAGrapevine International Journal of AA (Free) https://www.aagrapevine.org/we-are-here-to-help

General Service Announcement-Alcoholics Anonymous: https://www.aa.org/assets/en_US/en_updatesoncoronavirus.pdf

Al-Anon Meetings (For Families and Friends of Alcoholics): https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/

Al-Anon Phone Meetings: https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/electronic-meetings/#Phone_Meetings

AA Zoom Meetings: https://zoom.us/j/827456874/

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/text-results.phpcountry=Web&state&city&zip&street&within=5&day=0&lang&orderby=distance

NA Online Meetings: http://12stepforums.net/narcotics_anonymous_online_meeting.html

NA Covid Informational Page: https://www.na.org/admin/include/spaw2/uploads/pdf/Coronavirus_web_message_12Mar.pdf

In the rooms: An Online Addiction Recovery Community AA, NA, Dual Diagnosis, SAA, Chronic Pain:https://www.intherooms.com/home/

Mad Dog Recovery AA Speakers: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEh3ihZ4dnkGkl12t8D-UHw/videos

Emotions Anonymous Meetings: https://emotionsanonymous.org/what-we-offer/find-a-meeting/phone-and-internet-meetings.html

Smart Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/smart-recovery-toolbox/smart-recovery-online/?fbclid=IwAR1WYJ_y_YKdYglurQ2r3L1MIaNAZ-ihdq6Lz6Mux-u8GGsTLDsdINUCWSk

Recovery Dharma Online: https://recoverydharma.online/

Voices of Hope Online: https://linktr.ee/recoveronline

COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FROM THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI):

https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US 

IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING GOOD MENTAL HEALTH

Author Brian Cuban’s blog “The Addicted Lawyer” offers guidance and options for recovery meetings. http://briancuban.com/blog/responsible-recovery-in-pandemic-times/

Importance of seeking help for mental health and substance use disorders: Fear Not: Speaking Out to End Stigma (three minute video)

SECULAR RECOVERY RESOURCES

LifeRing Secular Recovery: https://lifering.org/

LifeRing Online Meetings: https://lifering.org/online-meetings/

AA Beyond Belief: https://aabeyondbelief.org/2020/03/22/episode-157-sober-distancing/

Smart Recovery: https://www.smartrecovery.org/community/calendar.php

SUICIDE

Free, confidential 24/7 support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for oneself and others Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

PRACTICE RELAXATION

Phone apps: Try a mindfulness or meditation app. Some are paid but likely have a free trial.

Yoga for Relaxation

ENTERTAINMENT

Be Social

Explore Arts & Culture

Write a Letter

Read Something New

Watch Something New

Take a Trip

Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program

KYLAP is a program of the Kentucky Bar Association that offers help to lawyers, law students, and judges who are struggling with mental health issues, such as depression, alcohol and drug abuse, stress, compulsive gambling or any other condition that may adversely impact the individual’s personal or professional life.

Contact us at (502) 226-9373 to get help for any Kentucky lawyer in need.

Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 3.990, all communication with KYLAP is confidential.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Local Crisis Lines: click here