A lawyer with untreated depression can be a liability to the profession and to his clients. Depression robs one of the ability to think clearly, to be fully motivated and to be fully attentive to detail.

While depression can be a fatal illness that leaves its victims with feelings of hopelessness and despair, it is a common medical illness that’s nearly always treatable.

Iowa lawyers don’t have to face depression alone; the Iowa Lawyers Assistance Program is here to help. Guidance is available from other attorneys who have “been there, done that.”

While many experience a case of the “blues” from time to time, feelings of despair lasting for several weeks or more likely require attention.

Unfortunately, not everyone seeks the treatment they need because they aren’t aware that they’re depressed, or they believe they can handle it on their own.
But severe, prolonged depression is likely biochemical in nature, and should be assessed and treated by a professional. A clinically depressed person trying to will himself out of feeling depressed is like a diabetic trying to will his body into producing enough insulin.

In terms of human suffering, it’s impossible to measure the effects of depression. In addition to the attorney who suffers, the illness affects his partners and associates, clients, colleagues, relatives, friends and many other lives.

Depression is estimated to cost society between $15 billion to $35 billion a year, including the loss of time and productivity, personnel replacement, medical care and loss of life, according to the National Foundation for Depressive Illness.

For more information, see:

Symptoms of Depression
Ways Depression Manifests Itself in the Workplace
Facts About Depression