WHY TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH?

Many people living with a mental illness (including lawyers and/or their clients) report that negative stereotypes about mental illness, and the resulting potential for discrimination, cause them more suffering – and more often in silence – than the illness itself.

As a result, two thirds of those suffering from mental illness are too afraid to seek the help that they need.

FOLA knows our community could use some help: too many lawyers are struggling – a high rate of lawyers experience some level of problem drinking, depression, and anxiety (according to a study of nearly 13,000 practicing lawyers commissioned by the American Bar Association and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation). Self-medicating is not the solution!

But there is help. Talk to your doctor and seek professional help. With medication, and/or and proper self care, most people with mental illnesses are fully treatable. But no one gets better in isolation. Shame and silence makes it worse.

Please join FOLA as we as we work together to break the silence around mental illness.

READ THE 2019 REPORT “CREATING A WELL-BEING MOVEMENT IN THE UTAH LEGAL COMMUNITY” BY THE UTAH TASK FORCE ON LAWYER AND JUDGE WELL-BEING.

If you are a lawyer and need help, please contact:

LSO MAP

LSO’S WELL-BEING RESOURCE CENTRE

The Law Society is committed to supporting the well-being of Ontario’s legal professionals and those entering the professions. Preserving, enhancing and investing in personal health, particularly mental health, is critical to the success of any legal practice and protects and serves the public interest.  

As a legal professional, your work may pose real challenges to your mental health. Research shows legal professionals are almost twice as likely to experience mental health issues like anxiety, stress, depression and addiction as the general population.  The LSO’s Well-Being Resource Centre brings together a number of Law Society and community resources to support well-being in the professions.  

Did you know?  Ontario lawyers, paralegals, licensing candidates, Ontario law students, paralegal students, judges (and eligible family members) have access to a Member Assistance Program (MAP).   It is a free, fully confidential service provided by Homewood Health.  It is funded by the Law Society of Ontario and LAWPRO.

MAP provides secure, single sign-on access to counselling, coaching, online resources and peer volunteers. Members can get professional help with issues related to addictions, mental or physical health, work-life balance, career, family and more.

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