Substance use issues and burnout are prolific symptoms of mental health issues among legal professionals. Lawyers typically work long hours, have extensive caseloads and demanding work schedules, all of which can prevent them from spending time with loved ones and engaging in healthy activities that help reduce or manage their symptoms.
Additionally, lawyers operate within an adversarial system that frequently involves handling challenging situations. They encounter clients during their most vulnerable moments and may have to represent cases that conflict with their personal values, leading to moral injury. This ongoing conflict and exposure to traumatic events can take a severe toll, potentially causing secondary trauma or compassion fatigue.
The combination of a demanding schedule and constant exposure to sensitive content can contribute to high levels of stress and burnout, which may lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The
National Study on the Psychological Health Determinants of Legal Professionals in Canada found that one in five legal professionals are at worrying levels of drug and alcohol use. The
study revealed that risky drinking among men increases after 5 to 10 years of practice, while for women, it rises within the first five years. Perhaps not surprising, articling students, junior lawyers, women, LGBTQ+ individuals and minorities are the most affected.
These statistics reveal that lawyers face complex mental health concerns that can significantly impact their daily lives and lead to substance abuse issues. It’s important for legal professionals to know, they’re not alone.
In May 2024, 18 legal professionals, including judges, prominent professors, partners and lawyers across Canada published a book discussing their own personal mental health journeys.
The book, titled
The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in the Legal Profession, features real-life stories that address various mental health challenges, involving depression, addiction, grief, anxiety, eating disorders, and provides practical recommendations to manage challenges in your personal and professional lives.
Their goal is to promote open dialogue, acknowledge mental health as a manageable concern and advocate against the stigma of mental health in the legal profession.
If you find yourself consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or drugs, or your family has expressed concerns about your substance use habits, you can talk to your healthcare provider, a mental health professional or access free and confidential counselling and support through our
Lawyer Assistance Program,
TELUS Health One and
LifeSpeak.
