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One of the biggest barriers to people accessing support for their mental illness or struggles with mental health in the workplace is the shame and stigma surrounding dis- closure and fear of being pushed out of their employment.
Lawyers have not been spared. A survey organized by Bloomberg Law found that participants said they felt burnout on their jobs on average 47% of the time. Justice O’Bonsawin acknowledged the
“pressures of the profession and how integral being a judge and a lawyer can be to a sense of identity. So much so that can be difficult to know what to do when we are faced with our own limits.”
To address these realities Justice O’Bonsawin stressed that, as not- ed by the National Task Force on Lawyer Wellbeing, all relevant “stake- holders” must assist with improv- ing mental health support across the legal profession. These efforts must include legal employers, law schools, bar associations, judges and regulators.
(Significantly, the College creat- ed a Task Force on Mental Health Awareness following the 2023 Spring Meeting, chaired by Fellow James A. Brown, and Justice O’Bonsawin has agreed to serve on the Task Force
as its newest member.)
Justice O’Bonsawin offered a vari-
ety of suggested approaches to ad-
dressing mental health issues in our
profession. These include making information on accommo- dations for mental illness readily available in all workplaces; offering supports such as employee assistance programs and counseling resources; and, while recognizing that the law does not always permit regular working hours (does “the hermit and the horse” sound familiar?), nevertheless encouraging work-life balance whenever possible – including time off for dealing with mental health issues, providing benefit plans that cover appro- priate therapies or prescriptions, having a stipend for physical
activities that promote wellness, and providing proactive sup- port in the workplace designed to diminish stigmas that often surround mental illness issues.
In closing her remarks, Justice O’Bonsawin addressed three spe- cific groups in the audience: those personally experiencing the effects of mental illness; those who, while not currently experiencing mental illness themselves, are providing support mechanisms for those who are; and those who are skeptical of concerns about mental illness. For those experiencing mental health issues, she encouraged that they seek the support they need.
“Think about it. What do clients do when they have legal issues? They come to you for assistance. So now why can’t you seek help yourself . . . ?” For those who know others who are struggling with a mental health issue, she encouraged that they seek their colleagues out and let them know they care. “Letting someone know you care goes a very long way.” For the skeptics about mental health, Justice O’Bonsawin acknowledged their skepticism but also urged that they be openmind- ed about the issue. “At least to take small steps to understand mental illness and the impacts on the lives of those affected by it, because with knowledge comes understanding.”
The Abenaki recognize at least seven primary principles: hones-
ty, humility, truth, love, respect, and bravery. Clearly Justice O’Bonsawin is an example of each, and more. The College is fortunate to welcome her as an Honorary Fellow, to benefit from her wisdom and example as a true pathfinder, and to hope that she and Pierre will be regular participants in our gatherings in the years to come.
Douglas R. Young San Francisco, CA
JUSTICE O’BONSAWIN'S RECOMMENDED APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN
OUR PROFESSION:
Make information on accommodations for mental illness readily available in all workplaces
Offer supports such as employee assistance programs and counseling resources
Encourage work-life balance whenever possible – including time off for dealing with mental health issues
Provide benefit plans that cover appropriate therapies or prescriptions
Offer stipends for physical activities that promote wellness
Provide proactive support in the workplace designed to diminish stigmas that often surround mental illness issues
SUMMER 2024 JOURNAL 56