A new study has found that more than 40% of law students suffer from “moderate or severe symptoms of depression
define.” According to Prof Ian Hickie, from Brain and Mind Research Institute, in New South Wales, nearly 16% lawyers who responded to the survey conducted, displayed mood disorders.
Virtually there is no age at which depression can appear. The young professionals aged between 20 to 29 years have higher rates of depressive symptoms than their elderly counterparts. Nearly one third are using drugs and alcohol to deal with psychological distress.
Attorney’s, solicitors and barristers are more vulnerable to depression because of the high tension their profession entails. Mr. Geoff Dunlevy, President of Law Society of NSW said, “For a long time, the society has received anecdotal evidence from solicitors regarding the prevalence of depression.”
Many factors play a role in the development of major depression and mood disorders. Karen Eaton in an article published in Wall Street Journal, stated that escalating billable hour quotas, ceaseless deadlines and the adversarial nature of lawyers, is the reason for the high levels of depression.
Practicing lawyer’s fear of failure in the competitive field, compromises on ethics, going along with his clients instructions even against his better judgment, low energy levels, lack of meaning in life, pessimism are some explanations for negative thought patterns.
Clare Shann, spokesperson of Beyondblue, a depression organization said, “It is a cut throat industry, where you need to be geared towards the negative.”
A lawyer during the course of his career has the prudence to understand a whole range of problems and betrayals, helping his clients in these far fetched eventualities. Unfortunately, a trait that makes you good at your profession does not always make you a happy human being.
This lucrative career needs some serious introspection. A ‘culture shift’ is in progress, with law firms realizing the responsibility to promote a ‘work-life’ balance.
good news
At last some good news! Lawyers are depressed, I feel good about that.
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Depression : Lawyers
Hi,
he would not visit his medical practitioner to seek a professional diagnosis. Pride stood in his way. He had periods of crying and euphoria. He thought he could control his depressive illness. To cut a long story short he went to Thailand to visit a client who teamed him up with a "translator" lady. He became besotted with her and decided to thow his flourishing legal practice and our marriage to the wind. He decided to take his "retirement" now. Of course I understand that if a man is totally happy in his marriage then he would not leave the marriage. I do not recommend working long hours with your spouse and especially if that work involves being in a stressful legal pracitice. Two years after the fact I can say that he regrets everything he has done (we are in regular email contact and he is still my best friend). We both regret the course of action he took. As an aside I suggest all wives accompany their partners on overseas trips. I wish I had.
I can vouch for all that your article states. I was married (and worked with)a solicitor (49 years of age) and after 14 years I could tell my husband was depressed. As a sole practitioner and with high insurance premiums to pay and practicing certificate fees he found it very stressful. He did not know how to relax and felt he had to work weekends also. Despite his depression
Yours sincerely
Lynda
Depression on lawyer
Hi am nagesh. A law student of indian university i was read your problem so i will comment for this.if lawyer was in depression
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