Last Year’s KY Unemployment Director found dead

[LowerLevelSeatA]

https://www.lex18.com/news/former-kentucky-unemployment-director-found-dead

From the article:
McNamara served as Kentucky's unemployment insurance director for roughly four months before being fired. Back in July of 2020, Kentucky Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman received criticism after it was revealed that McNamara was hired despite having no previous experience with unemployment systems or state government. It was also revealed that McNamara was the husband of one of Coleman's friends, Audrey Haydon.

 

[AustinTXCat]

Yikes! Always something going in in Bardstown.

https://kentucky.forums.rivals.com/threads/whats-going-on-in-bardstown.137867/

 

[80 Proof]

Suicide, unfortunately. Mental illness is so much more of a problem than America recognizes.

That said, he should have never had that position at the unemployment office, and the governors gratuitous victory spoils lead to this sad situation.

 

[BeAllied]

There is no way that somebody named Muncie McNamara wasn't bullied as a child. It's no wonder that he suffered from depression, and I'm not joking. Have some sense when naming a kid.

 

[Tskware]

Suicide, unfortunately. Mental illness is so much more of a problem than America recognizes.

Depression is a well known problem among lawyers in particular and professionals in general. And substance abuse. They are starting some seminars for lawyers at the KBA to deal with depression, stress, substance abuse, etc. The modern age where you have to be available by cell, email, text, zoom all the time has not helped matters, (although that is not limited to professionals).

 

[BeAllied]

Depression is a well known problem among lawyers in particular and professionals in general. And substance abuse. They are staring some seminars for lawyers at the KBA to deal with depression, stress, substance abuse, etc. The modern age where you have to be available by cell, email, text, zoom all the time has not helped matters, (although that is not limited to professionals).

He was offered a government job by the Beshear administration and they are asking for ACLU donations in lieu of flowers, so his political affiliation is quite obvious. Other variables might be working against him than just being a lawyer.

 

[BravesRule]

There’s been a serious uptick in suicide’s among Central KY lawyers recently.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

There’s been a serious uptick in suicide’s among Central KY lawyers recently.

Statewide. They even sent an email out about it to the state bar.

Practicing law is bad enough. Then add in seasonal depression, covid stuff, and then the fallout from the scandal. Not a good combo. Sad.

 

[CrittendenWildcat]

Depression is a well known problem among lawyers in particular and professionals in general. And substance abuse. They are staring some seminars for lawyers at the KBA to deal with depression, stress, substance abuse, etc. The modern age where you have to be available by cell, email, text, zoom all the time has not helped matters, (although that is not limited to professionals).

The KBA may be re-focusing their efforts, but KYLAP and other initiatives to address substance abuse and suicide have been around for decades.

 

[Tskware]

He was offered a government job by the Beshear administration and they are asking for ACLU donations in lieu of flowers, so his political affiliation is quite obvious. Other variables might be working against him than just being a lawyer.

A young man, and father of two young girls kills himself, and you use it to make some kind of public and bizarre political statement. Congratulations, that may be a new low for the Paddock.

 

[BeAllied]

A young man, and father of two young girls kills himself, and you use it to make some kind of public and bizarre political statement. Congratulations, that may be a new low for the Paddock.

There is statistical evidence supporting a correlation between the two. If you have any supporting links between depression and being a lawyer (more so than any other profession), then please share.

 

[PhDcat2018]

Suicide, unfortunately. Mental illness is so much more of a problem than America recognizes.

That said, he should have never had that position at the unemployment office, and the governors gratuitous victory spoils lead to this sad situation.

Agreed.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

There is statistical evidence supporting a correlation between the two. If you have any supporting links between depression and being a lawyer (more so than any other profession), then please share.

Dentists are a depressed lot, too.

 

[Punkin Puss]

A young man, and father of two young girls kills himself, and you use it to make some kind of public and bizarre political statement. Congratulations, that may be a new low for the Paddock.

Maybe it's an example of Sociopathic behavior.

With a Buzzfeed non-clinical random survey of 1000 people.

 

[bkingUK]

Maybe it's an example of Sociopathic behavior.

With a Buzzfeed non-clinical random survey of 1000 people.

Regardless of the punditry, I’ve actually done a fair amount of research into similar claims. It is true that there are a handful of studies (and I literally mean a handful) suggesting a higher prevalence in general unhappiness as people self defining as liberal compared to conservative. There are various theories as to why, but the parameters of such studies are rife with subjectivity. Albeit, on a simplistic and logical level, it does make sense that people who favor change would generally have higher unhappiness. Generally being the keyword there.

But yeah, Buzzfeed...that’s dumb.

Also, to conclude that your political affiliation somehow is a cure to mental illness is obviously pretty superficial.

 

[Punkin Puss]

Regardless of the punditry, I’ve actually done a fair amount of research into similar claims. It is true that there are a handful of studies (and I literally mean a handful) suggesting a higher prevalence in general unhappiness as people self defining as liberal compared to conservative. There are various theories as to why, but the parameters of such studies are rife with subjectivity. Albeit, on a simplistic and logical level, it does make sense that people who favor change would generally have higher unhappiness. Generally being the keyword there.

But yeah, Buzzfeed...that’s dumb.

Also, to conclude that your political affiliation somehow is a cure to mental illness is obviously pretty superficial.

Much would depend on how willing people are to be open to talking about their illness. So having a survey asking people do you have an illness, a portion maybe less likely to admit to it.
People now discuss PTSD, not so much in the past.

Unfortunately I saw a report where children, who's parents commit suicide, are more likely to die by suicide.

 

[Hank Camacho]

There is statistical evidence supporting a correlation between the two. If you have any supporting links between depression and being a lawyer (more so than any other profession), then please share.

I understand that correlation does not automatically mean causation. However, something has to be highly correlated if it is causitive.

The fact that we've now had 7 or 8 (I think, I could be wrong) Kentucky lawyers kill themselves (all men, I believe) since about this time last year and most since the holidays is pretty damning that something is going on. While it may seem like there are billions of lawyers, that many suicides in that short of time is frightening because it is actually a surprisingly small community.

Lawyers are prone to addiction and depression. The job has gotten infinitely more stressful during COVID, in my experience. And the truly rewarding parts -- helping people in difficult situations -- can't be enjoyed through a screen.

Thankfully it looks like KY courts are going to be starting to re-open in May. I pray that alleviates a lot of this.

 

[BeAllied]

The fact that we've now had 7 or 8 (I think, I could be wrong) Kentucky lawyers kill themselves (all men, I believe) since about this time last year and most since the holidays is pretty damning that something is going on. While it may seem like there are billions of lawyers, that many suicides in that short of time is frightening because it is actually a surprisingly small community.

Lawyers are prone to addiction and depression. The job has gotten infinitely more stressful during COVID, in my experience. And the truly rewarding parts -- helping people in difficult situations -- can't be enjoyed through a screen.

If you were the wife of a Kentucky lawyer and you wanted to kill your husband, then now would seem like one of the most opportune times to do it. Few people question it and the general public accepts it as part of a broader issue. Police and investigators aren't really going out of there way in COVID times either. Maybe it's the Epstein effect, but it might be worth scrutinizing suicidal lawyer deaths a little more closely.

 

[UK4number9]

If you were the wife of a Kentucky lawyer and you wanted to kill your husband, then now would seem like one of the most opportune times to do it. Few people question it and the general public accepts it as part of a broader issue. Police and investigators aren't really going out of there way in COVID times either. Maybe it's the Epstein effect, but it might be worth scrutinizing suicidal lawyer deaths a little more closely.

This may be the dumbest post of all time. Congrats.

 

[Tskware]

Lawyers are prone to addiction and depression. The job has gotten infinitely more stressful during COVID, in my experience. And the truly rewarding parts -- helping people in difficult situations -- can't be enjoyed through a screen.

Thankfully it looks like KY courts are going to be starting to re-open in May. I pray that alleviates a lot of this.

I actually kind of like the Zoom hearings for the civil docket, a lot easier than driving all over the state for a 20 minute (if that) hearing. And saves the client a lot of money.

OTOH, I spoke to a county attorney who had to endure a 200 defendant criminal docket in District Court, by Zoom, in a rural area where internet is spotty at best. Said it was a complete waste of time, half the defendants lose connection, claim they never got the zoom link, etc. He can't wait to get back to live appearances.

P.S. Getting my 2nd shot on Friday, counselor, and I am getting hungry and thirsty. I will be in touch.

 

[Hank Camacho]

I agree that Zoom/Teams/Skype won't be going away for things like probate, etc, but it is an absolute nightmare for any evidentiary hearing.

I can't even imagine the amount of fraudulent testimony that has been taken in Kentucky during the last year via phone or videoconference.

I'm hoping that we require all hearings and witnesses (other than experts) to appear in person and do criminal/child neglect/DV/child support/etc in person.

Shoot me an email after you've got your shot. I haven't been vaccinated yet but I've got no problem getting a test beforehand.

 

[Tskware]

I agree that Zoom/Teams/Skype won't be going away for things like probate, etc, but it is an absolute nightmare for any evidentiary hearing.

I can't even imagine the amount of fraudulent testimony that has been taken in Kentucky during the last year via phone or videoconference.

Right after zoom depositions started, I swear I got an email warning attorneys not to text or email their clients the answers to questions on their smart phones.

I mean, really? You have to be told not to do "ish" like that, which will get you disbarred if not indicted?

I must not be as crooked as some of the attorneys out there, it never crossed my mind to do such a thing, but obviously, it must have crossed somebody's mind.

 

[BeAllied]

This may be the dumbest post of all time. Congrats.

 

[bigblueinsanity_rivals250340]

Dentists are a depressed lot, too.

In terms of suicides, I think dentists are #1 with lawyers next.

The dark winter referenced by the experts was indeed dark, but for a different reason.

Addiction, and regular depression were already on the rise. Add in covid lockdown/isolation and seasonal depression; and it was a lethal cocktail for many. Throw in loss of revenue and financial ruin; and it became lethal for even more..

Any locked down state will be impacted for years to come..

 

[CB3UK]

I think depression has just gone way up for a LOT of us. I recently took a week off because I just couldnt get out of bed. I was diagnosed with depression as a teen, but what Ive been experiencing mentally, particularly the last two months, is so much worse than anything I experienced as a teen. This stuff is real not to be taken lightly.

 

[Tskware]

I think the social isolation has been really tough on older people, can't see Grand kids can't go to church can't do a lot of things even though they are at the highest risk so I get it. My mother is about to bounce off the walls.

 

[BeAllied]

I think the social isolation has been really tough on older people, can't see Grand kids can't go to church can't do a lot of things even though they are at the highest risk so I get it. My mother is about to bounce off the walls.

Why can't they see grandkids? Is that a choice based on someone's risk tolerance ("can" but choose not to), or is there an actual barrier that prevents it from physically happening (literally "can't")?

 

[WildcatFan1982]

Why can't they see grandkids? Is that a choice based on someone's risk tolerance ("can" but choose not to), or is there an actual barrier that prevents it from physically happening (literally "can't")?

Some assisted living and nursing home won't let people in. On KSR this morning Shannon said for the past year he has had to talk to his grandma through a window.

Or like my granny that is in assisted living. My dad just flat out won't let me. I mean I'm an adult I could just go and not tell him, but I'm respecting his wishes.

 

[BeAllied]

Some assisted living and nursing home won't let people in. On KSR this morning Shannon said for the past year he has had to talk to his grandma through a window.

Or like my granny that is in assisted living. My dad just flat out won't let me. I mean I'm an adult I could just go and not tell him, but I'm respecting his wishes.

That's awful. I'm sure that every situation is different, but I know that some family members can be manipulative of the elderly to get them to re-do their wills or to otherwise take control of their money. I'm sure that there are some people out there like, "Yeah, look at so-and-so. They can't even be bothered to come see you." But in reality, it's those manipulative people who are preventing other relatives from coming in to intentionally isolate the elderly person and to manipulate them for current or future financial gain.

 

[UK4number9]

That's awful. I'm sure that every situation is different, but I know that some family members can be manipulative of the elderly to get them to re-do their wills or to otherwise take control of their money. I'm sure that there are some people out there like, "Yeah, look at so-and-so. They can't even be bothered to come see you." But in reality, it's those manipulative people who are preventing other relatives from coming in to intentionally isolate the elderly person and to manipulate them for current or future financial gain.

You are on fire with the out there posts.

 

[BeAllied]

You are on fire with the out there posts.

Thanks. It means a lot.

 

[BigSexyCat]

I think depression has just gone way up for a LOT of us. I recently took a week off because I just couldnt get out of bed. I was diagnosed with depression as a teen, but what Ive been experiencing mentally, particularly the last two months, is so much worse than anything I experienced as a teen. This stuff is real not to be taken lightly.

Depression really can't be explained unless you've experienced it. Most people think it's just a state of being sad and they're wrong. I would liken to more of a hopeless total despair feeling. In fact I would rather have kidney stones than depression.

FWIW I've heard magic mushrooms have a dramatic effect on depression. I think a couple of states have legalized it to treat depression. Hang in there bud. I'll be praying for ya.

 

[gobigbluebell]

Oh, friend of the Lt Governor was put in charge of unemployment despite having no experience and Kentuckians are still waiting for unemployment from 1 year ago. Bravo. And we paid an outside firm millions to “help” sort out unemployment. Wonderful.

 

[CB3UK]

Depression really can't be explained unless you've experienced it. Most people think it's just a state of being sad and they're wrong. I would liken to more of a hopeless total despair feeling. In fact I would rather have kidney stones than depression.

FWIW I've heard magic mushrooms have a dramatic effect on depression. I think a couple of states have legalized it to treat depression. Hang in there bud. I'll be praying for ya.

Yeah, I tried thosw during my college days. Certainly fun but you gotta worry about your state of mind. Not sure Id want to go into rhat and have a terrible experience because subconcious isnt right.

Im definitely the "suck it up Buttercup" type, but its like you say...its not as simple as folks who havent had it think. If it were, people wouldnt simply sit and feel like this, theyd chose to flip that proverbial switch.

Im exercising and trying to get as much sunshine as possible. Anyone else out there going through the same I definitely recommend it. It doesnt fix things but it does help and makes the days easier.

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Depression really can't be explained unless you've experienced it. Most people think it's just a state of being sad and they're wrong. I would liken to more of a hopeless total despair feeling. In fact I would rather have kidney stones than depression.

FWIW I've heard magic mushrooms have a dramatic effect on depression. I think a couple of states have legalized it to treat depression. Hang in there bud. I'll be praying for ya.

Yep. There’s psychology—then there is neurology. Clinical depression is as real as a broken leg.

 

[Punkin Puss]

Oh, friend of the Lt Governor was put in charge of unemployment despite having no experience and Kentuckians are still waiting for unemployment from 1 year ago. Bravo. And we paid an outside firm millions to “help” sort out unemployment. Wonderful.

Yeah you think paying the guy in charge of Kentucky's technology systems (CIO). $375,000/year it would have been upgraded.
The average salary for a state CIO is $150,000 The Gov makes $145,000.yr.

 

[stereonut]

I think depression has just gone way up for a LOT of us. I recently took a week off because I just couldnt get out of bed. I was diagnosed with depression as a teen, but what Ive been experiencing mentally, particularly the last two months, is so much worse than anything I experienced as a teen. This stuff is real not to be taken lightly.

Seriously, please talk to a professional ASAP.

I have, and it has helped me considerably, knock on wood.

Good luck, and God Bless!

 

[BlueVelvetFog]

Yeah you think paying the guy in charge of Kentucky's technology systems (CIO). $375,000/year it would have been upgraded.
The average salary for a state CIO is $150,000 The Gov makes $145,000.yr.

Frankfort /State Government is a glorified boondoggle. An absolute waste. CHFS. KRS..you name it. Contemptible work environment and leadership

 

[FUMods]

Suicide? Doubt it.

I'm going with "he knew Hillary Clinton".

 

[BeAllied]

Yeah you think paying the guy in charge of Kentucky's technology systems (CIO). $375,000/year it would have been upgraded.
The average salary for a state CIO is $150,000 The Gov makes $145,000.yr.

I wouldn't expect an upgrade in systems unless money was actually invested in infrastructure vs. somebody's salary.

Is it better to pay a competitive market salary, but admittedly overpriced for government, to somebody who is qualified; or to simply hand the job to somebody who isn't qualified at all except for having a certain ideology/gender/skin color/religion/any other identity?

That amount for the governor is only what is disclosed to the public. How much do they make under the table?