The suicide of actor Robin Williams made many, including me, reflect on how problems related to depression and substance abuse can lead to desperate, irrational actions. Lawyers in general tend to be more susceptible to problems like these. Studies show that lawyers are three times more likely to suffer from depression than other professionals and the suicide rate for lawyers is nearly six times higher than for the general population. The American Bar Association estimated that up to 20 percent of U.S. lawyers suffer from substance abuse. To dig deeper into these issues, I solicited input from James Kelleher, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona, and Brian Cuban, a lawyer who has been open about his struggles with depression, substance abuse and other mental health issues. Cuban candidly shares his story of suffering and recovery in his book "Shattered Image." ... READ THE REST
Originally published September 18, 2014
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