IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH FOR
LAWYERS AND PARALEGALS IN WATERLOO REGION
The Waterloo Region Law Association (WRLA) makes mental health and substance use issues a priority. In 2020, the Mental Health Committee was established with a mandate to identify ways to reduce the stigma of mental health issues; encourage good mental health initiatives and awareness; and support declining mental health and crisis.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine of nearly 13,000 American lawyers found that over 36%of participants showed signs of possible alcohol dependence, more than 45% described experiences of depression, and 11.5% reported having had suicidal thoughts at some point in their careers. The primary barrier identified to lawyers seeking treatment or assistance is stigma. The Member Assistance Program (MAP) provides confidential services and support to lawyers, paralegals, law or paralegal students who are facing mental health or substance use issues. To find out more about MAP, click the link below. |