I was deeply touched by the recent Letter to the Editor by Joanna Litt who connects her husband’s significant mental health battles with the ever-mounting pressures and stresses of practicing law (NYLJ 11/16/18). Joanna’s tragic story is one that has become all too common. Her bravery to share her story is what compelled me to write this letter. Unfortunately, her husband’s struggles were very common, very real and extremely pervasive within the legal industry.
Some attorneys have the courage to openly share their battles with stress, anxiety and depression. However, too many others mask and hide their struggles for fear of being frowned upon, never seeking the help they need. I applaud the 24 firms who have signed on to the American Bar Association’s Pledge to introduce mental health initiatives into the workplace and I encourage all to do the same. We must support our attorneys the same way attorneys utilize the legal system to protect us. We owe it to them and we owe it to their families.
