A career in law has long been recognized as a high-pressure job. The demands of a legal practice, the pressures of being a new lawyer, the burdens associated with running a law firm, the concerns about prospering financially and the desire to maintain a fulfilling personal life can easily become overwhelming.

Studies find that lawyers have significantly elevated levels of mental health distress, including anxiety, depression and chronic stress, as well as higher levels of alcohol and other substance abuse disorders than other professions, including physicians. Similar findings are reported about law school students.

Specifically in our state, the OBF’s recent survey of Oklahoma lawyers confirmed the pressures of law practice. Seventy-seven percent of responding lawyers identified high levels of stress and burnout as a primary challenge lawyers are facing, 62% identified an insufficient work-life balance, and 59% cited heavy workloads and long hours. Managing stress and maintaining mental health were also cited as primary challenges law students face.

Increasingly, the legal industry is recognizing wellness as a core component of professional competence. A good attorney is a healthy attorney. Most states have confidential programs offering specialized support to address mental health and substance abuse problems created by the stress of practice. Oklahoma is no exception.

OBF grantee Lawyers Helping Lawyers Foundation works in conjunction with the OBA Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program Committee to provide help to lawyers as they move through their work lives. The program provides confidential support to attorneys, judges and law students who are dealing with stress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and relationship challenges.

Core services include free counseling – every OBA member is eligible for up to six hours of free counseling. Members can be referred to therapists, certified life coaches or peer mentors. Peer support is provided through a network of lawyers who have experienced similar struggles. Financial aid is available through grants from the LHL Foundation to help cover the cost of treatment or medication.

Additionally, the 1-800-364-7886 confidential hotline is available for immediate assistance, answered 24/7 by licensed mental health professionals. Monthly discussion groups are also held in Oklahoma City and Tulsa for peer interaction.

A significant barrier for attorneys seeking help with well-being issues is often the fear that other lawyers may become aware and view seeking help as a sign of weakness or incompetence. OBA members should know that, by statute and OBA resolution, all information provided by those receiving services remains completely confidential. The OBA and the LHL Foundation are provided only with usage statistics – never the names or identifying information of those who call the hotline or use the services.

Stress is an inevitable part of being a lawyer. Recognizing this, lawyers should make their mental health a high priority. The Lawyers Helping Lawyers Foundation is always ready with ways to help manage stress before it becomes overwhelming.

For more information about the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Assistance Program, visit www.okbar.org/lhl.

Ms. DeMoss is the executive director of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation.