Holiday Blues

'Tis the season to be filled with cheer, unless you suffer from depression or struggle with dependency on alcohol. You may be celebrating, but if you work in a law office, it's all too likely that some of the lawyers you know are not enjoying the season.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs --alcoholism, drug addiction, and mental health problems are afflictions that affect a great number of professionals including lawyers and judges. They note that ten percent of the general population has problems with alcohol abuse; but anywhere from fifteen to eighteen percent of the lawyer population battle the same problems.

As many as one out of every four lawyers suffers from stress, and out of 105 occupations, lawyers rank first in depression.

How do attorneys and others who are in recovery cope during the holidays? Exposure to parties where alcohol is being served can be a challenge; particularly when people are encouraged to have "just one" drink.

The Missouri Bar offers help for lawyers and their families who are experiencing emotional problems, or drug dependency. The Missouri Lawyers Assistance Program is a no-cost professional, confidential counseling program for member attorneys, their families, and for law students.

Need to know more about alcoholism or emotional problems that lawyers are prone to experience? Check out these articles from The Missouri Bar.