Stress/Burnout

Professional Effects of Stress

Decreased vocational satisfaction;
"Treadmill" / "marking time" / "Burn out"
Inability to meet professional obligations (timeliness, work quality)
Missed deadlines

Personal Effects of Stress

Increased risk for impairment (mental/emotional health problems and/or substance abuse/dependence)
Increased risk for stress-related physical illness
Strain on family/relationship(s)
Inability to function at level necessary to meet personal/professional obligations

Effects of Lawyer Impairment on the Legal Profession

Decreased public confidence in the bench and bar
Delays; Malpractice; Ethical/Bar disciplinary issues
Inappropriate results; Untimely results
Wasted judicial resources and time; Docket backlog
Overall frustration with "the system"

Many Lawyers practicing today are facing the need to:

do more
faster
with less
sometimes for less.

Lawyers cite many factors contributing to stress, like longer hours at work, fewer hours with the family, pressures to make partner, even the low esteem in which lawyers are held.

- NY Times March 10, 1995

Signs:

Common somatic (physical) symptoms often reported by those experiencing excess stress include sleep disturbances, muscle tension, headache, gastrointestinal disturbances, and fatigue. Emotional and behavioral symptoms that can accompany excess stress include nervousness, anxiety, changes in eating habits including overeating, loss of enthusiasm or energy, and mood changes.

Effects of stress ...
... On your body	... On your thoughts and feelings	... On your behavior
Headache Chest pain Pounding heart High blood pressure Shortness of breath Muscle aches Back pain Clenched jaws Tooth grinding Stomach upset Constipation Diarrhea Increased sweating Tiredness Sleep problems Weight gain or loss Sex problems Skin breakouts	Anxiety Restlessness Worrying Irritability Depression Sadness Anger Mood swings Job dissatisfaction Feeling insecure Confusion Burnout Forgetfulness Resentment Guilt Inability to concentrate Seeing only the negatives	Overeating Undereating Angry outbursts Drug abuse Excessive drinking Increased smoking Social withdrawal Crying spells Relationship conflicts Decreased productivity Blaming others

Stress Warning Signs and Symptoms
Cognitive Symptoms	Emotional Symptoms
Memory problems Inabiliy to concentrate Poor judgment Seeing only the negative Anxious or racing thoughts Constant worrying	Moodiness Irritability or short temper Agitation, inability to relax Feeling overwhelmed Sense of loneliness and isolation Depression or general unhappiness
Physical Symptoms	Behavioral Symptoms
Aches and pains Diarrhea or constipation Nausea, dizziness Chest pain, rapid heartbeat Loss of sex drive Frequent colds	Eating more or less Sleeping too much or too little Isolating yourself from others Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)

When attempting to assess signs and symptoms, it is important to note that marked changes in behavior or affect are the clearest indication that there may be a problem. Such changes may or may not fit clearly into the categories above, but are noteworthy nonetheless.

When the "smaller" issues are not addressed, they may become larger. They can easily and quickly work their way into impairment.

If/when you have concerns about yourself or someone you know, and want to know more, please contact the LJA Program. Remember:
LJA Program Services Are:

Confidential
Voluntary
Available at NO Charge

Please contact our office or an LJA Program volunteer in your area. Here is a list of LJA Program volunteers across the state.

Dr. Jessica Cole, LPC-S, NCC
Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program Director
Office: 601-948-0989
Director's Direct Line: 601-948-4475
Email: [email protected]

Carolyn Barrett, Office Administrator & Monitoring Coordinator
Lawyers and Judges Assistance Program
Telephone: 601-948-0989
Email: [email protected]