Secondary Traumatization and Lawyers by Monica Bogucki, BSW, JD COPYWRIGHT MONICA BOGUCKI 2016

Secondary Traumatization Vicarious Traumatization Compassion Fatigue Burn Out Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Depression Alcohol or Substance Abuse Suicide

Causes Working in difficult areas of the law Requiring long hours Domestic violence Criminal law Immigration law Child protection Family law Other- What other areas of law or parts of the law practice can contribute to these conditions?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Reliving" the event, which disturbs day-to-day activity Flashback episodes, where the event seems to be happening again and again Repeated upsetting memories of the event Repeated nightmares of the event Strong, uncomfortable reactions to situations that remind you of the event From ADAM Medical Encyclopedia

PTSD Avoidance Emotional "numbing," or feeling as though you don't care about anything Feeling detached Being unable to remember important aspects of the trauma Having a lack of interest in normal activities Showing less of your moods Avoiding places, people, or thoughts that remind you of the event Feeling like you have no future From ADAM Medical Encyclopedia

PTSD continued Difficulty concentrating Startling easily Having an exaggerated response to things that startle you Feeling more aware (hyper vigilance) Feeling irritable or having outbursts of anger Having trouble falling or staying asleep From ADAM Medical Encyclopedia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Depression Male 4% (30%) 2.1% (20%) 8.5% (21) Female 4% (20%) 1.4% (15%) 14.1 (16%) From: Connie A. Beck, et al, Lawyer Distress; Alcohol-Related Problems… Journal of Law and Health 1, 49-50 (1995-96)

Depression Symptoms Persistent, sad, anxious or empty Hopelessness Loss of interest in activities Guilt, worthlessness Decreased energy, fatigue Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions Insomnia

Depression Symptoms Weight loss or overeating Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts Restlessness or irritability Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches; digestive disorders; chronic pain Prepared by Lisa Brabbit

Suicide Talking about ending one’s life Statements about hopelessness, helplessness or worthlessness Preoccupation with death Suddenly happy, calmer Visiting or call people one care about, Giving things away Significant symptoms of depression Prepared by Lisa Brabbit

Suicide Lawyers Dissatisfaction over job Financial problems Family problems Shame Missing Deadline such as statute of limitations Fear

Alcoholism Among Lawyers American Bar Association estimates that 15 to 20 of U.S. Lawyers suffer from alcoholism DSM-IV-three or more of the following Marked increase in intake or amount or achieve the same effect Withdrawal Repeated attempts without success to stop using substance

Alcoholism or Substance Abuse Reducing or abandoning social, occupational or recreational activities Continuing to use substance even though it causes physical or psychological problems

Alcohol or Substance Abuse One or more of the following Failure to carry out major obligations Legal problems from substance abuse Causes social or interpersonal problems

Risk factors for Substance Abuse Family history Culture History of abuse: physical, sexual, emotional Chronic stress Mental illness (use substances to self medicate) Physical illness

Substance Abuse What might be signs that a lawyer may have a substance abuse problem? As an another lawyer in the firm, what are you required to do? Rule 8.3 Reporting Professional Misconduct

Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers 24 hour Crisis Line: 651-646-5590 Toll free 866-525-6466 www.mnlcl.org help@mnlcl.org

Other resources Employee Assistance Programs Mental Health resources UST Psychology Clinic Scott Swanson Mental Health Resources through your health insurance. If live in more rural area, emergency room.

Stigma What are some of the stigmas associated with these conditions? How do these stigmas interfere with seeking help? What can we do to address these stigmas for ourselves and our clients?

Sources The Toll of Trauma, Wisconsin Lawyer, Vol.84, No. 12, December 2011, Dianne Molvig