Canadian Lawyer

w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m O c t O b e r 2 0 1 4 17 because seeing troubles as pervasive and permanent is a component of what the law profession deems prudence." But the per- sonal consequences of pessimism can be devastating: "Lawyers who can see clear- ly how badly things might turn out for their clients can also see clearly how badly things might turn out for themselves." Another psychological factor demoral- izing lawyers is what Seligman calls "low decision latitude in high-stress situations." This is a particular problem for junior lawyers who work long hours under strin- gent deadlines, but have very little control over what they do and how they do it. But the deadliest source of demoralization is the degeneration of law from a profession into a business. Seligman writes that law has "migrated from being a practice in which good counsel about justice and fair- ness was the primary good to being a big business in which billable hours, take-no- prisoners victories, and the bottom line are now the principle ends." This occurs in the context of the adversarial system, which promotes a win-loss mentality, which in a business setting without old-fashioned professional ideals to mitigate it, leads to anger, anxiety, and sadness. Compounding the problem is the stig- ma attached to mental illness, a stigma that promotes secrecy and shame. Psychiatrist David Goldbloom, chairman of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, has said, "If you're run over by a bus, your colleagues are very sympathetic. But if you throw yourself in front of a bus. . . ." A lawyer who is depressed will feel the stigma and the shame more than most. He will find it difficult to admit his illness and seek help. He will be afraid to do so. Depression throws cognitive capacity, the very essence of a lawyer's standing and identity, into doubt. Admitting depression undermines a legal practice, as skeptical clients look elsewhere and cautious col- leagues consult somebody else. I'm astonished that law societies seem to have little or no interest in this fundamental problem. The issue of depression generally only surfaces in disciplinary proceedings, when a lawyer in trouble offers his state of mind as an explanation for professional misfeasance. A handful of official counsel- ing services for lawyers do exist, but they are not well known. The depressed lawyer, struggling mightily, frightened to recognize or admit his problem, is offered no help or guidance and has nowhere to turn. Law societies prefer to impose discipline than provide assistance. The legal profession must do three things to confront this profound problem. First, members of the profession must talk widely and honestly about depression and its causes. Second, to the extent possible, we must remove the stigma of depression, and emotionally acknowledge what we intellectually know, that it is an illness and not a defect of character. Third, suitable medical help must be made easily available for those who need it. Things can get better. In his essay dis- cussing his own depression, Michael Red- hill writes, "The depressed person wants to live and wants to love." He quotes the final line of Dante's Inferno: "Thence we came forth to rebehold the stars." Philip Slayton is president of PEN Canada. Follow him on Twitter @philipslayton. O P I N I O N 2015 BRITISH COLUMBIA LEGAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY THIS IS YOUR LEGAL COMMUNITY. STAY CONNECTED. INCLUDES BRITISH COLUMBIA, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES, NUNAVUT AND YUKON. British Columbia's vast legal community is right at your fingertips with the 2015 British Columbia Legal Telephone Directory. You get instant access to more than 1 1,000 lawyers and law offices spanning British Columbia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon. Each year we ensure this directory includes the most up-to-date names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and emails, so you don't have to search anywhere else. It's all here when you want to network or need legal expertise. Also get quick access to: ȕ Courts ȕ Judges and court officials ȕ Law related services and organizations ȕ Federal and provincial government departments ȕ Boards and commissions Searching is fast and easy with: ȕ Alphabetical and geographical listing of lawyers ȕ Alphabetical and geographical listing of law firms ȕ Alphabetical listing of judges Durable spiralbound format saves on wear and tear of everyday usage! 4QJSBMCPVOEȕ0DUPCFS ȕ- Multiple copy discounts available 1MVTBQQMJDBCMFUBYFTBOETIJQQJOHIBOEMJOH 1SJDFTTVCKFDUUPDIBOHFXJUIPVUOPUJDF Get connected and stay connected to your legal community with the 2015 British Columbia Legal Directory. Order your copy today. Visit www.carswell.com or call 1.800.387.5164 for a 30-day, no risk evaluation ntitled-9 1 2014-09-10 12:44 PM

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