Well-Being in the Legal Profession

The Study’s research team also asked about the prevalence rates of suicidal ideation on the basis that severe depression can lead to suicide. Suicidal ideations refer to thoughts or intentions to take one’s life, and more serious ideations are associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts and suicide. 

The Study showed that 26% of Alberta survey respondents indicated that they have had suicidal ideations at least once since the beginning of their career, compared to 24% of national survey respondents. 

National survey respondent groups with the highest proportion of suicidal ideation include those who: 

• are 36 to 40 years and 46 to 50 years of age
• are non-binary
• work in a public or not-for-profit setting

The Study outlined some of the risk factors and warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide:

Risk Factors	Warning Signs
An experience involving trauma, violence, abuse or neglect A life, family, health or other crisis Mental health issues An addiction Feeling of isolation or lack of support Loss of employment or financial hardship Having access to a means of suicide, such as a firearm	Anxiety, agitation or uncontrolled anger Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time Dramatic mood changes Increase alcohol or drug use Withdrawal from family, friends and society Feelings of being trapped, helplessness or hopelessness Engaging in risky activities Having thoughts or talking about wanting to die