Lawyer depression is very real, as many are all too aware.
According to a groundbreaking study funded by the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs Research and the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation back in 2016, attorneys are much more likely to suffer from depression than non-lawyers.
Unfortunately, this is a tale that is as old as time, with various studies throughout the years, from the 1990s to 2020, detailing a common trend of lawyer depression within the industry.
In fact, according to a Johns Hopkins study, lawyers have the highest depression rate of any career, and substance abuse rates within the legal industry are also significantly higher than among the general population.
In this article, we’re going to be tackling this head-on, as well as looking at what to look out for and how to combat it. Let’s get started.
The state of lawyer depression in the legal industry?
According to Rachel Fry, a clinical psychologist in Birmingham, Alabama, who was recently quoted in an ABA Journal report, “Lawyers tend to score higher in pessimistic thinking, which often results in higher success rates and becoming a better lawyer.
However, this type of thinking is also highly correlated with depression.” In other words, what makes a person a good lawyer can also predispose them to bouts of depression.
Legal professionals are also expected to work – and excel – in adversarial circumstances. They often have arduous schedules, lack the basic tools to deal with stressful situations, and are expected to solve all their clients’ problems.
Because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues (particularly in the legal industry), lawyers are often unwilling to seek help and fall victim to chronic stress and depression, which sometimes leads to substance abuse and other unhealthy behaviors.
Studies regarding lawyer depression
- ABA and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation Study (2016): This study revealed high rates of substance use and mental health disorders among lawyers. It found that 28% of lawyers experience depression, and 19% suffer from anxiety. The study also noted significant rates of alcohol use problems (21%) and drug use issues (11%) among legal professionals.
- Johns Hopkins University Study: This often-cited study identified that lawyers have the highest incidence of depression among more than 100 occupations, with rates 3.6 times higher than the general population. This high rate is attributed to the adversarial nature of the profession, long working hours, and the pressure to be perfectionists.
- Lawyers With Depression: According to a survey conducted by ALM in 2020, 31.2% of lawyers reported having a depressive disorder, which is significantly higher compared to the general U.S. adult population. The study highlights how the characteristics that make lawyers successful, such as pessimistic thinking and a high level of critical analysis, can also contribute to mental health issues.
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): A 1992 report by NIOSH found that male lawyers had a suicide rate that was twice as high as the general male population. This statistic underscores the severe impact of depression and mental health struggles within the legal profession.
- Psychology Today: Recent findings indicate that loneliness and overcommitment significantly increase the risk of suicide among lawyers. Lawyers who feel lonely are 2.8 times more likely to contemplate suicide compared to their non-lonely peers. The competitive and isolating nature of legal work often exacerbates these issues.
These studies collectively paint a concerning picture of mental health in the legal profession, highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes and increased support for legal professionals.
Implementing measures such as mental health check-ins, promoting work-life balance, and reducing the stigma around seeking help can significantly improve the well-being of lawyers.
Impact of lawyer depression on the culture of firms
A 2022 ALM Intelligence Survey revealed that 35% of lawyers report suffering from depression, while 64% experience high levels of anxiety. These mental health struggles often lead to reduced productivity, absenteeism, and higher turnover rates within law firms.
The survey highlighted that burnout is especially prevalent in younger lawyers, many of whom struggle to balance intense workloads with personal well-being, leading them to seek employment in firms that prioritize mental health initiatives.
This connection between mental health and workplace performance is supported by the American Bar Association (ABA).
According to ABA reports, firms that actively promote mental health programs benefit from healthier employees, better retention, and increased recruitment rates. Younger legal professionals, in particular, are more likely to leave firms that do not support mental well-being, recognizing that a poor work-life balance is unsustainable.
The ABA further notes that investing in mental health pays off financially. For every dollar invested in mental health and wellness, firms can save up to $4 in costs related to absenteeism, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses.
Warning signs
Some of the signs of lawyer depression are obvious, while others can be relatively subtle or easily dismissed. They often include:
Withdrawal from family and friends
One of the most common signs of depression is social withdrawal. Lawyers experiencing depression may isolate themselves from family, friends, and colleagues.
This withdrawal can manifest as reduced participation in social activities, avoiding social interactions, or losing interest in hobbies and activities once enjoyed.
Isolation often stems from feelings of worthlessness or an inability to relate to others, exacerbating the sense of loneliness and further deepening the depressive state.
Trouble concentrating
Depression significantly impacts cognitive functions, including concentration and decision-making abilities. Lawyers may find it difficult to focus on their work, leading to mistakes and decreased productivity.
This can be particularly challenging in the legal profession, where attention to detail is critical. Persistent trouble concentrating can also affect memory, making it hard to retain information or follow through on complex tasks.
Mood swings
Mood swings are a hallmark of depression and can range from irritability and anger to extreme sadness. Lawyers might experience rapid changes in mood, which can affect their professional and personal relationships.
These mood swings can be triggered by seemingly minor events and may lead to misunderstandings or conflicts with colleagues and loved ones. The inability to maintain a stable mood can be distressing and exhausting.
Increased substance use
Lawyers are more prone to substance abuse as a coping mechanism for dealing with depression and the high-stress nature of their work. This can include increased consumption of alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs.
Substance abuse often exacerbates the symptoms of depression, creating a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break. The legal profession’s culture sometimes normalizes excessive drinking, making it harder for individuals to recognize and address their substance use issues.
Sleep changes
Depression can severely disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping). Lawyers might find themselves unable to rest despite feeling exhausted, or conversely, sleeping excessively but still feeling tired.
These sleep disturbances can impact overall health, cognitive function, and emotional regulation, further impairing a lawyer’s ability to perform their job effectively.
Digestive problems that don’t improve, even with treatment
Chronic stress and depression can lead to physical symptoms, including digestive issues like stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. These symptoms often persist despite treatment and can be linked to the body’s stress response.
The gut-brain connection means that mental health significantly influences digestive health, and unresolved psychological issues can manifest physically, leading to a cycle of discomfort and distress.
Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness
The core symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness. Lawyers may feel an overwhelming sense of despair or fear that interferes with their daily functioning.
These emotions can be debilitating and lead to a sense of paralysis, making it difficult to engage in work or personal activities. The constant emotional burden can also lead to suicidal thoughts or actions if not addressed.
Recognizing these warning signs early and seeking appropriate help, such as therapy, medication, or support groups, is crucial for managing depression and improving overall well-being.
Law firms and the legal industry must prioritize mental health to create a healthier, more supportive environment for their professionals.
While most people experience these feelings at times, if they become overwhelming, cause physical symptoms, or last for extended periods, it might be time for treatment.
What legal professionals can do
There are steps that law firms and legal professionals can take to stop suffering in silence and instead seek help, such as:
- Look beyond the stigma: Any stigma associated with mental health issues should significantly pale in comparison to one’s need to protect their personal well-being.
- Speak up: If your mental health is suffering, find a friend, family member, colleague, human resources staff member, or someone else that you can confide in.
- Contact a professional: Many mental health issues can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of the two, and some law firms will pay for these services through employee assistance programs.
- Get your priorities in order: Get to the root of your depression, and take steps to alleviate the problem. If you need more time off, figure out a way to make that happen. If exercise boosts your emotional state, carve out a slice of time for that.
- Learn proper breathing techniques: Deep breathing sends a message to the brain to calm down and relax, and the brain makes sure your body gets the message. When you breathe properly, your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will all decrease accordingly.
- Give yourself a break: Try not to be too hard on yourself. Be grateful for the good days, and on days when you fall short of achieving your goals, don’t beat yourself up over it.
- Know that you’re not alone: Don’t assume that others will not be sensitive to your situation. Many of your colleagues are likely battling similar issues, and mental health is becoming a much more acceptable topic of conversation.
Role of leadership in lawyer depression
Leadership plays a critical role in promoting mental health within law firms. Their actions set the tone for the entire organization, shaping whether employees feel comfortable seeking help for mental health issues.
Key leadership actions include:
- Breaking the stigma: Leaders who openly discuss mental health encourage a culture where seeking help is normalized, reducing fear of judgment or professional consequences.
- Promoting wellness initiatives: Implementing programs like counseling, stress management workshops, and flexible work options improves employee well-being. Firms with wellness initiatives report higher productivity and lower absenteeism(
- Encouraging work-life balance: Reassessing billable hour expectations and promoting vacation use helps prevent burnout and supports long-term mental health(
- Fostering a supportive culture: Routine wellness check-ins and adopting frameworks like the ABA Well-Being Pledge ensure mental health is prioritized throughout the firm.
The Lawyers Depression Project
The Lawyers Depression Project (LDP) is a grassroots effort to address depression and other mental health issues in the legal industry.
It helps attorneys, law students, law school graduates waiting for the bar exam results, and others in the legal field who have been diagnosed with depression or some other form of mental illness.
LDP is also open to individuals who are suffering but have not yet been formally diagnosed, or those who just feel like “something isn’t right,” but have not sought professional help. All LDP services and technology – web forums, chat rooms, and video conferencing – are provided at no cost to members.
Conclusion
The legal profession is uniquely vulnerable to high rates of depression and substance abuse, as highlighted by multiple studies over the past few decades.
Factors such as pessimistic thinking, adversarial work environments, and intense job pressures contribute significantly to mental health issues among lawyers.
Recognizing the warning signs of depression, like social withdrawal, trouble concentrating, mood swings, and increased substance use, is crucial.
Addressing these issues involves reducing stigma, seeking professional help, and prioritizing mental well-being. By fostering a supportive culture and implementing systemic changes, the legal industry can better support its professionals’ mental health and overall well-being.
