legal sanity
Can Lawyers Pursue Happiness?
Lately, when I’ve been out and about for business and socially, I’ve noticed that conversations often turn to the topic of happiness – what true happiness is; what makes us happy; what makes us unhappy (and variations on these themes). The topic also seems to be winding its way through the commercial space, where you’ll find sentimental/upbeat ads like this one from Allsate and this from Target. I suppose this all makes a lot of sense. When we’re challenged in our lives – physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually – we start asking the “big questions” about meaning and fulfillment.
In its first incarnation, this blog focused quite a bit on the malaise plaguing the legal profession and people who inhabit it. As part of my investigation into the problem and search for solutions, I read and commented on the rocky road to lawyer happiness. In one of the more recent posts on the subject, I mentioned the important work attorney Daniel Lukasik is doing through his website, Lawyers with Depression.
Part of decoding happiness in any given population is getting an honest accounting of what might put that milestone out of reach. Daniel offers us that candid insight via his website and new companion blog. You can gain additional insight from lawyer Timothy A. Tosta’s article on Overcoming Stickiness, this post on lawyer burnout and this article offering help for attorneys in crisis.
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I am a lawyer who has suffered from depression for the past 7 years. I think the topic of lawyer happiness is an important one. They're many,many unhappy lawyers out there. The reasons why lawyers stay in unhappy jobs are varied: debt, the "what-else-am-I-going-to-do?" mantra, fear,etc. However, I believe it's important to distinguish between unhappiness and clincial depression. Many articles on the topic commingle lawyer unhappiness or "discontent" with clinical depression. They're completely different in almost every regard. The most important distinction is that clinical depression is an illness which results in multiple impairments in one's life and ability to work. This is much less so with everyday unhappiness or discontent. Some people, experts and non-experts alike, mislabel/diagnose unhappiness as depression and vice versa. I think that it's critical to be evaluated by a top-notch psychologist and/or psychiatrist to make a sound diagnosis.
Dan, this is a great point. Thank you for clarifying and congratulations on the work you have done to bring this to light so lawyers can get the support they need. Arnie Herz