Joseph Craig
The problem is urgent for many lawyers especially the ones who work on tedious cases. Unlike the general public, lawyers are three times more likely to suffer severe anxiety or depression.
Experts say that the main cause of depression among lawyers is because they always strive to be perfect. Many lawyers often think that they were careless with something or they didn’t work hard enough. Slowly, they start practicing perfectionism which later results in depression when things don’t go as expected or planned.
The worst case is the fact that perfectionism transforms into a feeling that everything is not all right. Hence, it should not be taken to the extreme. Some lawyers think that they are expected to predict the future and solve every problem that comes their way. Well, that’s not right because this only leads to more problems.
“Lawyers should take note that mental health disorders can profoundly affect their daily functioning,” said Mr. Alexander McKenzie, a young practitioner from Burnie in Tasmania. There are many side-effects of anxiety and depression, including muscle tension, fatigue, sweating, heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, a sense of impending danger and worry, difficulty concentrating, feelings of inadequacy, obsessive thoughts, and irritability.
In worst scenarios, some lawyers go to the extent of self-medicating themselves with hard drugs and alcohol. Others withdraw from family, friends, and peers. Some attorney may assume that this is a normal feeling, but it isn’t. They should quickly look for effective ways to stay away from depression and anxiety.
Avoiding Depression
Yes, depression can be easily avoided only if the victim agrees to stay disciplined and implement effective measures that will keep them mentally strong. Here are some of the best ways to avoid anxiety or depression:
- Have easy, regular conversations with clients
I understand that it is important to put your clients’ satisfaction ahead, but you should be keen not to overdo it. The good news is that there are proven tactics that lawyers can implement to avoid anxiety and depression. One of them is having easy, regular conversations with clients.
- Learn what triggers your anxiety
You can easily deal with anxiety and depression when you learn and understand what triggers them. Is it school, family, work or something that you can identify? Learning what triggers your anxiety is the first step towards fighting depression.
- Embrace and maintain a positive attitude
A positive attitude is very crucial when it comes to staying mentally strong and avoiding depression. Don’t let negative thoughts dominate your mind. Know when it is the right time to say ‘no’ and create those boundaries for those who try to bring you down.
- Take deep breaths and meditate regularly
Inhale and exhale deeply whenever you feel stressed or nervous. Do this for at least 10 minutes every day. Meditation is key to a strong mental health.
- Get enough sleep
I believe you have heard about this somewhere else or during one of those personal development talks. Yes, sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle and everyone should get at least 8 hours of sleep, including lawyers.
- Eat well-balanced diets
What you eat determines your overall health and that includes our mental health. Eating a well-balanced diet gives you all the nutrients you need to stay mentally strong and healthy.
- Exercise regularly
Exercise is what you need in order to keep the blood pumping and also keep unnecessary diseases at bay. Exercise can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and make you feel good all the time.
