The Holidays and Suicide

Fact or Fiction

November 21, 2025, 8:30 - 10:30am CST
Virtual via Zoom
Fee: $10 full members; $25 partial members and nonmembers
Continuing Education Hours: 2.0

Register

Course Description

Despite the inherent joy of holidays, there is a significant amount of stress and negative emotions leading many to wonder what effect holidays have on suicide. For many people, the holiday season can be a stressful time. Many factors can play a role in the stress people experience and a common belief is that people are often more suicidal during this time of the year. This workshop will dig deeper into this belief and uncover some facts about what is happening for many people during the holiday season. The workshop will also review some of the ways to increase protective factors for people who may be struggling with suicidal ideation.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the roles of holidays on a person’s stress level and ability to manage stress.
• Learn the facts associated with increased suicide risk and when rates are highest.
• Discover utilization patterns of psychiatric services.

William Hutter, PsyD, LMFT

Dr. Hutter is currently providing services in various roles. He is a visiting professor at Iona University in New York; the Gender Services Specialist at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center; an adjunct faculty member for Northwestern University; as well as owning his own private practice, where he provides consultation, supervision, and trainings. His clinical work focuses on LGBTQ+ youth and adults, sexual dysfunction, conflictual couples, persons belonging to the immigrant community, and suicide prevention. Dr. Hutter holds one master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, another in Clinical Psychology, and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.