Depression In Law

A recent study by Professor Ian Hickie AM MD FRANZCP FASSA from the Brain and Mind Institute showed that the legal profession has the highest amount of depression among any profession in Australia. As part of the study, 731 law students at 13 law schools from around Australia responded to the survey and a huge 40% were found to be at a point where they should be receiving help for depression.

 

The study - the largest ever survey of legal practitioners and students in Australia - also found that almost a third of solicitors and one in five barristers suffer levels of depression associated with disability. The results support earlier findings that the incidence of depression in the legal profession is four times higher than in the general population. Lawyers consistently rank first in surveys on depression, with one study finding that 11 per cent of lawyers contemplate suicide every month. Fifteen per cent of lawyers meet the criteria of alcoholism, while substance abuse is dominant in up to 80 per cent of complaints against the Australian legal profession. (For more information please contact ianh@med.usyd.edu.au)

 

It is not unnatural to feel a little overwhelmed at times, especially as a law student. However, given the stigma that is often attached to mental health issues, many law students and lawyers do not seek help until it is too late. Similarly, friends and colleagues of persons suffering from mental health issues are often unsure of how to proceed or where they can seek help from.

 

With this in mind the UTSLSS believes that all law students should have access to the help they need for depression, eating disorders, alcohol and drug dependence along with any other mental health issues. And, whilst we are not qualified to give counselling advice, we do recommend contacting the following organisations who are qualified to help or who can advise you on how to approach and talk to someone who you believe is suffering:

Lifeline
(counselling service)
13 11 14

A list of counselling services for drug addiction in Sydney can be found here

Beyond Blue
(depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder and postnatal depression)
1300 22 4636

Eating Disorders Foundation of NSW
(eating disorders)
9412 4499

Alcoholics Anonymous
(alcohol addiction)
9799 1199

 

If you have a moment, please view the clip posted below, titled Resilience at Law. It is an incredibly powerful and moving piece on depression in the legal profession:

http://www.u2u.com.au/aar/player.php?name=AAR_2010-03-23_Resilience_V1&img=Resilience@law