Chronic Stress, Trauma, Mental Health and Addiction in the Legal Profession

Lawyers face stress daily and are subject to particular circumstances which can lead to higher levels of stress than for most other members of the population. Family law can present additional challenges because of the presence of substance use and other issues in the cases. There is a clearly recognized continuum where unresolved chronic stress becomes a predictor for addiction and mental illness, particularly depression, which are also more prevalent among lawyers. By understanding this continuum and the facts about addiction and mental illness, lawyers can reduce their risk and, hopefully, get help earlier when there is a mental health or addiction/dependency problem. Signs, symptoms, risk factors and recovery regarding these problems will be presented. Personal examples and information on Minnesota’s lawyer assistance program will also be provided.

This CLE is approved for credit through February 10, 2019.