The Rudnicki Firm is observing Mental Health Awareness Month this May.
It’s no secret that legal work can take a toll on the mental health of lawyers and staff. Long days, complex tasks and decisions, frequently changing focus, and needing to be easily accessible can be hard on new and seasoned professionals alike. There is no easy solution, but making space to reevaluate priorities and approaching from a place of empathy can ease the strain.
At TRF, we strive for employees to feel comfortable discussing concerns and asking for help. It is imperative in a hybrid workplace that every member of our team is seen and heard. In addition to the efforts of our dedicated managers, the entire firm gathers for bimonthly “Coffee Talks”, where all update on status and evaluate workloads. Prevention of burnout benefits not just our team, but our clients, too, who receive our best efforts when we’re at our healthiest.
No matter your title or position, mental health affects us all. Simply making our state of mind a regular subject of discussion and removing any surrounding stigma can prove life-changing for colleagues – and ourselves. We all can recognize when we need to step back from work or other hardships to take time with family and friends. When taking care of our bodies and using our usual stress relief strategies aren’t enough, however, there are support groups and counselors ready to help.
Are you in the legal profession and feeling anxious, depressed, or using unhealthy coping mechanisms? Lawyer Assistance Programs exist in every state, providing confidential support to judges, lawyers and law students facing mental health problems and substance abuse. In Oklahoma, contact Lawyers Helping Lawyers at 1-800-364-7886. Texans can contact the Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program at 1-800-343-8527, Voicemail at 512-463-1453, E-mail, or visit Facebook.