Why Peer Support Helps

Last week I talked about what trauma is and how it can include experiences you might not have realized. This week I want to talk about how the peer support that the LegalMind Society offers can help.

Law school teaches us to “think like a lawyer.” And it is true, whether you practice law or not, the fact is law school changes how we think. And when you are getting support for your mental health, it can be very beneficial to talk with someone who understands that.

Peer support isn’t therapy, nor is it a replacement for therapy. It is talking to someone who has been there before, without fear of judgment or consequences. It is having someone who has found their way out of the dark before help you find the light. We aren’t associated with a firm or a bar association. We are simply here to help other legal professionals.

Even though we aren’t therapists, that doesn’t mean we can’t help with your recovery. Talking about it with others who’ve been through something similar can itself be a weight off of your shoulders. Because the burden of mental health struggles isn’t a burden you have to go through alone.

This week alone I’ve heard from attorneys who tried to take PTO during the holidays and were told “associates don’t do that” or that “associates had to be on-call 24/7.” To someone who isn’t familiar with the demanding culture that some legal offices create, this might sound extreme rather than something that unfortunately happens too frequently. We can’t change the expectations of your partners, but we can understand those pressures and help you manage them and take care of your mental health.

So if you’re struggling with these issues, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.