Colleagues who work side by side with a lawyer who is suffering are in the best position to assist with lawyer mental health. Without the stigma.
Key Takeaways
- Mental Health Issues: There is a high incidence of depression and anxiety among practicing lawyers. Law firms need to acknowledge this and create an environment where lawyers feel safe to ask for help.
- Stigma and Barriers to Help: The biggest barrier to addressing mental health in the legal profession is the stigma around mental illness. Many lawyers fear being judged and discriminated against and won’t ask for help.
- Law Firms and Resources: Law firms can help promote mental health by providing access to resources, wellness programs and open conversation. Resources and organizations for legal professionals to do something about mental health.
Depression and anxiety are all too common among practicing attorneys at law firms. A medical journal study suggests that as many as half of all lawyers in the U.S. will struggle with one or both of these conditions at some point in their career.
Historically, if mental health problems are addressed in a law firm, it is through the human resources department or an employee assistance program (EAP). But these people aren’t in the best position to help before a mental health issue gets out of hand.
Other lawyers who work side by side with the lawyer who is suffering are in the best position to assist. One reason is because their suffering colleagues will often be reticent to approach HR or an EAP for fear of losing their jobs. They worry their problem will be used against them, or damage their reputation. Another reason lawyers don’t seek help through HR is the ever-present specter of stigma. They don’t want to expose their struggle with these problems for fear that others will judge them as being “lazy,” “weak” or unable to “cut it” as a lawyer. There is always a chance that a fellow lawyer may think this too. However, lawyers understand the high-stress loads of fellow lawyers. They are much more likely to “get it” and want to help in a confidential way.
What Can You Do to Help a Colleague with Mental Health Issues?
First, get educated about the signs of anxiety and depression and the mental health concerns prevalent in the legal profession. Second, recognize that it is OK to approach a person who may be struggling. Too often, people say to themselves, “It’s none of my business” or “I don’t want to invade their privacy.” Fair points. However, many suffering lawyers wish a fellow lawyer would care enough to ask, in a warm and constructive way, if they are feeling alright.
When I was stricken with depression and anxiety more than 10 years ago, almost no one at work said anything to me. Often, it’s not what people say to someone with mental health problems that hurts; it’s that they say nothing. This silence further isolates an already suffering person and makes them feel even more alone and that no one cares.
The high-stress nature of the legal industry, combined with the pressure to meet billable hours and manage heavy workloads, can contribute to mental health problems. Once you decide to approach a colleague, remember this person is not searching for someone who feels like they do. They are searching for a person who is trying to understand what they feel. Be that person for them.
Here are some brief do’s and don’ts:
- Do listen with an open mind.
- Do ask questions.
- Do encourage the individual to get help.
- Don’t make comments such as “You’re fine,” “Cheer up” or “Everybody has problems.”
- Don’t say you know how they feel if you don’t.
The great writer and naturalist Ralph Waldo Emerson best summed up the value of helping another:
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Live well.
Help a fellow lawyer today.
Resources for Lawyers With Mental Health Problems
Mental Health in the Law
Mental health is a big issue in the law. Research shows lawyers are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than the general population.
The high pressure of the law and the need to meet billable hours and manage heavy workloads can contribute to mental health problems. And the stigma around mental illness can stop lawyers from seeking help, which makes it worse. Law firms and the legal community need to acknowledge the reality of mental health problems and do something about it to create a supportive and inclusive culture.
The Stigma of Mental Illness
The stigma around mental illness is a big barrier to seeking help and support. Many lawyers fear that if they disclose their mental health issues they’ll be judged, discriminated against or their reputation will be damaged. This fear stops lawyers from seeking help and makes mental health problems worse.
The stigma around mental illness is perpetuated by societal attitudes and cultural norms. The legal profession has a culture of stoicism and resilience which makes it hard for lawyers to admit vulnerability or weakness. But we need to recognise that mental health issues are common and seeking help is a strength not a weakness.
Law firms and the legal community can do a lot to reduce the stigma around mental illness. By creating a culture of openness and inclusion law firms can get lawyers to seek help and support. This means providing access to mental health resources, running wellness initiatives and getting lawyers to share their stories and struggles.
Law Firms’ Part in Mental Health
Law firms have a big part to play in mental health. By making mental health a priority law firms can create a supportive environment where lawyers feel able to ask for help and support. Here are some ways law firms can promote mental health:
- Access to mental health resources: Law firms can offer access to mental health resources – counseling, EAPs and mental health days.
- Wellness initiatives: Law firms can run wellness initiatives – mindfulness programs, yoga classes and healthy eating options.
- Open communication: Law firms can encourage open communication about mental health issues and create a culture of openness and inclusivity.
- Reduce stigma: Law firms can reduce stigma by promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding and by encouraging lawyers to share their experiences and struggles.
- Training and education: Law firms can provide training and education on mental health – recognizing the signs of mental health problems and how to support colleagues.
Making mental health a priority can benefit lawyers, reduce turnover and absence and improve productivity and performance. It can make a big difference to colleagues with mental health issues.
Confidential Helplines and Services
Lawyers struggling with mental health can get help now through these confidential helplines:
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL): 651-646-5590 or 1-866-525-6466
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- Crisis Text Line: Text START to 741-741
Several organizations offer services for legal professionals:
- Lawyers’ Assistance Program (LAP): A non-profit organization that provides assistance to lawyers, judges and law students with substance abuse, addiction and mental health issues
- Lawyers Depression Project: Free online peer support community for legal professionals with a confidential member forum and weekly meetings
- Local bar associations: Often have helplines specific to the legal community
Online Resources
Digital platforms can get you support:
- Lawline’s Attorney Well-Being catalog: Courses on attorney well-being available for free with a free trial
- Mental Health America (MHA): Screening tools and information on finding therapy
- Wellness apps: Headspace, Calm and Happify have mindfulness, meditation and stress-relief exercises for busy professionals
Legal-Specific Mental Health Organizations
Several organizations focus on mental health in the legal profession:
- American Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Programs (LAPs): Confidential services and support for judges, lawyers and law students struggling with mental health or substance use issues
- Illinois Lawyers’ Assistance Program: Mental health and substance use evaluations, referrals and supportive services for legal professionals
- LawCare: A UK-based mental well-being charity for the legal community, free and confidential support
Educational Resources
To understand and address mental health in the legal profession:
- DRI’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Resource Center: Resources on suicide prevention, family support and more
- Lawyers with Depression: A website by a lawyer with depression, resources and support
By using these resources law firms and individual lawyers can take proactive steps to address mental health in the legal profession and create a more supportive and resilient community.
Related Articles:
- “How to Be Productive When You’re a Depressed Lawyer” by Dan Lukasik
- “Depression: A Lawyer Pandemic” by Ruth Carter
- “Five Steps to Confront Burnout, Addiction and Depression” by Link Christin
- “10 Hacks for Beating Procrastination” by Paul Burton
- “Lawyers, Depression and Substance Abuse: A Candid Q&A” with Ruth Carter and Brian Cuban
