How To Know When To Take Time Away From Work
Erin H. Durant*
A common question that I receive from legal professionals who are looking to improve their mental health is this one: How do I know when I need to take time away from work? It is a good question and one that is not easy to answer.
Many years ago, I attended an educational program where Orlando Da Silva provided a keynote speech. Orlando, a former Ontario Bar Association President and mental health advocate, spoke about this issue in his speech and it has stayed with me over the years. He shared that he uses a 10-point sliding scale to determine where his mood currently is and when his mood dips below a certain point, he knows he needs assistance.
I am not personally great at identifying where my mood is on a sliding scale, but I have been able to track my symptoms generally through journaling. Some signs that indicate that my health is going in the wrong direction include: difficulty sleeping, a lack of excitement about new work/files/clients, tearfulness and increased irritability. I also find myself dwelling on the past and fearing for the future, rather than staying focused on the present. When those symptoms start appearing, I know I need to take a break and potentially make some adjustments.
Recently I read a book called “Is Work Killing You? A Doctor’s Prescription for Treating Workplace Stress” by Canadian physician Dr. David Posen. It is an excellent resource for those having challenges with workplace stress as well as for managers of legal workplaces. In it, Dr. Posen has a few charts that he uses to illustrate the path to burnout. One is called the Human Function Curve which was conceptualized by Dr. Peter Nixon. I like the below visual of the Human Function Curve as it allows you to consider whether you are currently under increased stress due to a stretch opportunity or whether you have begun to strain and are experiencing decreased efficiency and performance.
Dr. Posen’s book speaks to the importance of prevention as a tool to safeguard your mental health. Although systemic changes are necessary for dramatic changes to be made in the legal professions, there are steps that individuals can take to better protect themselves. Here are three things that you can try today:
Consider where you fall on the Human Function Curve. If you are find yourself past the level of “stress” and “strain”, consider steps that you can take to decrease the amount of pressure you are under.
Audit what is on your plate. Many lawyers find it very challenging to turn away work and opportunities, whether it comes from colleagues or clients or legal associations that they are apart of. As a result, we can get overcrowded plates. Spend some time thinking about your obligations and determine whether there are any that can be delegated or if there are any you can step back from until you are in a better place mentally.
Talk to someone. It can be very tempting to struggle alone without any support. Lawyers are used to solving other people’s problems and are not good at asking for help themselves. I can tell you from experience that talking with someone helps. I have benefited greatly by working with a therapist, speaking with other lawyers about my challenges and being open with my team when I need to be away. You do not need to struggle alone.
*Erin Durant is the founder of Durant Barristers a litigation, investigation and sport law firm. She is also the author of “It Burned Me All Down” which is a book about her experience with mental illness as a practicing lawyer. The book also makes recommendations for legal workplaces to improve their work environments. She also has experience representing lawyers in both malpractice and disciplinary hearings. She can be reached at edurant@durantbarristers.com