Depression is a serious illness and—unlike the winter blues—it stays with you, no matter the temperature and amount of sunlight outside.
The post Is It the Winter Blues or Something More? appeared first on Articles, Tips and Tech for Law Firms and Lawyers.

I don’t know about you, but this time of year makes me want to stay under the covers and act like a hibernating bear. Yes, the cold gray days bring on the winter blues. It takes energy and real motivation to get myself out of the cave, but once I do, I’m back to being a contributing member of the human race and getting satisfaction and enjoyment from my activities. But that’s not true for all of us. For some, getting out of the cave can feel like an impossible labor.

Blues vs. Depression: Be Alert for the Signs

Studies find that lawyers suffer depression significantly more often than the general population—about 3.6 times more often. Depression is a serious illness that can have a tremendous impact on your professional and personal life. And unlike the winter blues, depression stays with you, no matter the temperature and amount of sunlight outside. Please look over the following signs of depression. Are you experiencing any of these?

Inability to concentrate
Finding previously easy tasks difficult
Sleep changes, which can mean too little or too much sleep
Feeling hopeless and helpless
Loss of interest in daily activities
Inability to control negative thoughts despite great effort
Appetite or weight changes
Irritability or restlessness
Unexplained aches or pains
Loss of energy
Thoughts that life is not worth living

All of us have experienced at least some of these in our lifetime, but when such feelings seem overwhelming or last for an extended time, they are the red flags of clinical depression. Depression is an insidious disease: It can creep up slowly, and you may not realize that you suffer from it. Be aware, too, that alcohol and substance abuse often accompany depression because the abuse seems to provide a form of self-medication.

If you do recognize that you have depression, take action. First, know that it is okay to ask for help—actually, it is very wise and intelligent to do so. Second, be assured that help does exist—and you are not alone. Many, many lawyers currently experience or have already overcome the same thing.

Where to Start

It may feel awful and like it will never end, but with assistance, what you feel now will go away. You can have a satisfying life, enjoying daily activities and interpersonal relationships again. Here’s where to start looking for help:

A major resource for all lawyers is your state or local bar association’s lawyer assistance program. The ABA has a directory of state programs here.)
Your personal physician can also be a tremendous help and refer you to psychiatrists and therapists who can help you.
If you have just begun to feel depressed, exercise can greatly help reduce depression symptoms. (See WebMD.com for more pointers.
If you have just begun to feel depressed, exercise can greatly help reduce depression symptoms.
If your employer has an employee assistance program, you have a ready resource as one of your standard benefits.
Find a trusted friend or relative and share how you feel. Having someone to talk openly with will help you feel less anxious and alone.

Most of all, should depression and other related issues such as alcohol or substance abuse affect you, know that professional assistance can make a very positive impact on your life, and the lives of those you love.

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Photo by Kacper Szczechla on Unsplash

Is It the Winter Blues or Something More?

Blues vs. Depression: Be Alert for the Signs

Where to Start

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