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

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

3. 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?

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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, ( )

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers
24 hour Crisis Line:
Toll free

18. 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.

19. 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?

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