In addition, when you consider the risk factors for suicide, like depression, anxiety, stress, divorce, alcohol and substance abuse, attorneys go through many of these at rates that are higher than the general population on a consistent basis. Why do attorneys seem more likely to deal with emotional problems than anyone else? From an anecdotal perspective, lawyers are more likely to suffer from perfectionism and competitiveness. While these traits might drive these people to do their best to excel in life, they also have a down side. An unachievable high coupled with a temperament that is less likely to seek help is a recipe for disaster.
Perfectionism has been known to cause levels of the stress hormone cortisol to rise. Chronically high levels of cortisol play a factor in a variety of health problems including depression. When a mistake is made, which is inevitable, perfectionism blows up the sense of failure.
Add the nature of the work itself to the "type a" personality traits of those who are drawn to the job, and you can easily see why attorneys may be so stressed. The legal system in and of itself is conflict driven by nature; the other side is always out to prove you wrong. Time constraints, deadlines, and scrutiny from opposing counsel, clients, and the courts are without doubt huge sources of stress for lawyers.
A good deal of suicides by lawyers that occurred in the past year have called new attention to these problems. Last April, Mark Levy, head of a large law firm died in a suicide at his law office in Washington D.C. In Connecticut, attorney James Ripper spent his lifelong career focusing on residential and commercial real estate transactions. With the market in a slump, his practice dwindled. In November, he hanged himself in his house. In January, Houston attorney John Mason Mings committed suicide on a beach, shooting himself.
In May, the American Bar Association began to sponsor a continuing legal education program on attorneys and suicide titled "What Lawyers Need to Know About Suicide During a Recession: Prevention, Identity and Law Firm Responsibility." However, regardless of how awful the economy may be, statistics point to the fact that those involved in the legal profession may be high risk. Remember that even if they might be the purveyors of your bad news, lawyers are people too. So on April 13, National Be Nice To Lawyers Day, and every other day, show a little kindness to your friendly neighborhood lawyer.
Perfectionism has been known to cause levels of the stress hormone cortisol to rise. Chronically high levels of cortisol play a factor in a variety of health problems including depression. When a mistake is made, which is inevitable, perfectionism blows up the sense of failure.
Add the nature of the work itself to the "type a" personality traits of those who are drawn to the job, and you can easily see why attorneys may be so stressed. The legal system in and of itself is conflict driven by nature; the other side is always out to prove you wrong. Time constraints, deadlines, and scrutiny from opposing counsel, clients, and the courts are without doubt huge sources of stress for lawyers.
A good deal of suicides by lawyers that occurred in the past year have called new attention to these problems. Last April, Mark Levy, head of a large law firm died in a suicide at his law office in Washington D.C. In Connecticut, attorney James Ripper spent his lifelong career focusing on residential and commercial real estate transactions. With the market in a slump, his practice dwindled. In November, he hanged himself in his house. In January, Houston attorney John Mason Mings committed suicide on a beach, shooting himself.
In May, the American Bar Association began to sponsor a continuing legal education program on attorneys and suicide titled "What Lawyers Need to Know About Suicide During a Recession: Prevention, Identity and Law Firm Responsibility." However, regardless of how awful the economy may be, statistics point to the fact that those involved in the legal profession may be high risk. Remember that even if they might be the purveyors of your bad news, lawyers are people too. So on April 13, National Be Nice To Lawyers Day, and every other day, show a little kindness to your friendly neighborhood lawyer.
About the Author:
Mallory Megan is employed by a debt collection company. She also writes articles on business, finance, consumer spending and collection agencies.
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