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Did You Know September is National Suicide Prevention Month?

There was an excellent article By Michael Tupper, Esquire, whose article appears in Family Law Section of Florida Bar September, 2024, newsletter  FAMSEG September 2024 – Family Law Section News & Updates). He has enlightening information that is great for all family practitioners. Further, this article will be very helpful to someone or their family members if a loved one is struggling with a mental health issue, depression, or suicidal ideations. 

Many family members feel that they do not know where to turn in this situation. The more people know about this issue, and the resources in their community, the more they can assist their loved one and help them seek appropriate treatment. This is important because mental health issues affect the whole family dynamics including the spouse, the children, and extended family. It may also interfere with the person who is suffering regarding their ability to hold gainful employment. 

There was also an article by Jack Miring Esquire, titled Predictors for Suicidal Ideation: Being Spread Too Thin, Stress, Loneliness, and Being Male in the same newsletter. This article also had insight into the problem. In the article, Suicidal Ideations are defined as thoughts, ideas, or ruminations about ending one’s own life, and are the first step to suicide and are predictive of suicide attempts. 

Social isolation and loneliness were also cited as a far too common experience. Those identifying as lonely were almost three times as likely to experience suicidal ideations than those who did not so identify. Suicidal ideation was two times higher for men than women. And, those who overcommit at work were two times more likely to have suicidal ideations than those who did not. 

If you are an attorney experiencing the symptoms, you can call the Florida Lawyers Helpline at 833-351-9355 (833-FL1-WELL). It is free and completely confidential. There are people in the community who want to help you. You are not alone. 

In the Michael Tupper, Esquire article, it is stated that potential suicidality is often observable. According to the American Association of Suicidology, the tell-tale signs can include:

• Discussing death or suicide: This warning sign can take many forms, and it is essential to pay attention to the context, frequency, and intensity of these conversations.
• Feelings of hopelessness: Such feelings can take many forms and are often associated with a sense of despair, futility, or a belief that things will never get better.
• Changes in behavior: These changes might involve a person’s daily routines, social interactions, habits, or overall demeanor. Because everyone’s behavior can vary over time, it is crucial to look for significant changes that seem out of character or that persist over time.
• Self-isolation: When a person starts withdrawing from friends, family, or activities they once loved, they may need support and safety.
• Making plans: If someone begins giving away personal belongings or making arrangements for when they are gone, this can signal active suicidal ideation. Other actions might include researching suicide methods, acquiring means to die by suicide, or scouting locations.

Hopefully, this information from Michael Tupper, Esquire’s  article and Jack Morning, Esquire’s article will help someone dealing with this situation or their loved one. 

If you have more questions regarding a mental health issue associated with a  Marital and Family Law matter, or a Baker Act, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: https://www.annmariegildenlaw.com 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not form an attorney client privilege.