When I began my drug and alcohol recovery in 2007, my therapist provided two options, 12-step or residential treatment. I chose the former and along with therapy have come to lead a self-directed life in recovery achieving what I could
It’s that time of the year again. Holiday Parties. Spiked eggnog and lampshades against the backdrop of a legal profession replete with problem drinkers. Along with that, the increased holiday risk of impaired driving, sexual misconduct, and the general, alcohol-fueled
I recently got together for lunch with a long-time friend. He is a senior partner at a very respected, mid-size firm in Dallas-about sixty lawyers. In the course of catching up, we discussed my work/advocacy with regard to wellness in
Lawyers are 3.6 times as likely as non-lawyers to suffer from depression. We have the highest problem drinking rate. It seems like once a month I read about a lawyer dying by suicide(this month has been no exception). We are
The sober curious movement is taking off. When I first heard the term, my baby-boomer, twelve-step mentality was to immediately associate it with “alcoholics” who wondered what it is like to be sober. I was way off target. It is
I am often asked how law firms can empower employees to be more comfortable coming forward with mental health issues. How can they break through the fear and stigma that inhibits the healing process? The firms want to be a
The State Bar of Texas has lost another lawyer to suicide. I and many others have lost a friend. His family has lost a loving husband and father. Andy Krasfur was a great lawyer and visionary entrepreneur in the running
Every now and then I feature a lawyer or law student who has something to say on the issue of mental health in the legal profession. Providing a platform for new voices is just as, or even more important than
In itself, of course not. Every situation is different. Every person is different. This is why I was shocked to see a quote come out of the American Bar Association Mid-Year Meeting in Las Vegas. It circulated in social media.
I recently had the honor of addressing lawyer wellness at the law firm of Winston & Strawn. I was telling my story and was at the part describing being suicidal in the summer of 2005. I was about to say,