Recently, I was a part of a panel of experts presenting for the Texas Lawyers Assistance Program or TLAP. The topic was: Life Alert: Save a Lawyer. This was sponsored by the Houston Bar Association with TLAP as Continuing Legal Education (CLE) seminar for Lawyers. It is possible to disarm a person who is suicidal, when you become aware of the warning signs and know how to take action and get help. You can save a life. As a clinician, these are essential signs and ways to diagnose the severity of a situation. Talk a look at the graphic on the right to see what signs to look for. Once observed and noted, you can provide support and/or provide for an intervention. Remember, be empathic and listen well. Don’t minimize or try and talk a suicidal person out of their feelings. This will only create more of a sense of being alone and not understood. Strive to validate their pain, then see if you can help get professional help. TLAP is an outstanding resource for lawyers and a network to get help. Cameron Vann at The Texas Bar. This is a program by lawyers for lawyers. If you are depressed, you don’t have to suffer, be alone and isolate yourself. There are programs, resources, a referral network and groups you can attend. There is help……..you need to reach out and someone will answer and be there for you. If you are a friend or family, trust your instincts when you feel someone is in emotional trouble or turmoil. This is a link to the SAMSHA hotline in blue.
Suicide Prevention Hotline
Suicide Prevention Hotline
You can call TLAP any time of day or night at 1-800-343-8527. 
