However, considering the high-intensity, high-stress environment many lawyers contend with, getting away for rest and relaxation is an important coping strategy, according to some experts.
Amy Impellizzeri, an author, lawyer and mother, recently wrote 'Lawyer Interrupted: Successfully Transitioning from the Practice of Law--and Back Again' to provide insight on how to successfully manage the stressors associated with practicing law. The book was released earlier this year by ABA publishing.
She said one of her most important pieces of vacation advice for lawyers is simply; “take them,” although she acknowledged it is sometimes easier said than done due to the rigorous schedule many lawyers face. “Many lawyers find it difficult to take their vacations, and indeed many report that a one-year sabbatical can, in fact, be an easier proposition (and a more productive solution in the long-term) than trying to take vacations throughout the year [when] it is fairly difficult to truly unplug,” she says.
Suggestions from Courtney E. Ward-Reichard in the year-end edition of Law Practice Magazine show that she also agrees lawyers should, in fact, make time to get away for vacations. However, those accustomed to working remotely may be tempted to take work along. There are some cases where working a bit while away may be better than not going away at all, she said, but recommends limiting work while away to only the most vital obligations, if possible.
The stakes are high when it comes to managing to keep lawyers mentally healthy. Impellizzeri said lawyer stress has become a hot button issue and she notes that there is “convincing evidence that lawyers beat out many other professionals in terms of rates of depression, substance abuse, and alcoholism.” Citing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control, she says lawyers are among the most likely professionals to commit suicide--behind only pharmacists, physicians and dentists.
Some reports show that about 20% of lawyers suffer clinical depression, which is double the national average, she says. “State Bars are beginning to take notice of these alarming numbers, and can provide wonderful resources for at risk lawyers," she says. "One of the most important pieces of advice for lawyers suffering from severe stress is to speak up.”
Many lawyers--and indeed even law students--are reluctant to report developing mental issues because most state bars make subjective decisions as to whether mental illness or depression--treated or untreated--are barriers to a candidate’s certification to practice law. Thus, one of the most important things we can do as a profession is to shine a light on the very serious issue of stress and depression in the profession.
For those looking for strategies to deal with the stresses of law, The American Bar Association will be hosting the 2015 National Conference for Lawyer Assistance Programs in the fall. The Conference: Breaking Good - Preserving Professionalism will take place October 20-22, 2015 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Programming will include sessions on:
- The Current Rates of Substance Use, Depression and Anxiety within the Legal Profession: A Review of the Results of the ABA/Hazelden-Betty Ford Foundation Collaborative Research Project
- Marijuana: From Medicinal to Recreational: What Has Happened Along the Way?
- The Challenges of Reinstatement
- Identifying Law Students with Mental Health Issues Using Attendance Policies
- Positive Psychology for Lawyers
- Myths and Misconceptions about Alcoholic Anonymous
- Suicide Prevention
- Ethics Rules and the Shift Regarding Professionalism and what it means for Lawyer Assistance Programs
- Conditional Admission