After the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, and as thousands demonstrate for social justice, many report feeling anxious and depressed during this time of social unrest.
The New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJLAP) knows that attorneys and judges are uniquely positioned at times like this. We are important helpers to others. This role makes lawyers subject to heightened anxiety, depression and vicarious trauma.
A National Institute of Health (NIH) article titled, “Mental Health During and After Protests, Riots and Revolutions: A Systematic Review,” published in January, noted a 7% increase in major depression following a major protest, “regardless of personal involvement in the protests, suggestive of community spillover effects” and the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder ranged from 4% to 41% in riot-affected areas.
“Risk factors for poorer mental health included female sex, lower socioeconomic status, exposure to violence, interpersonal conflicts, frequent social media use and lower resilience and social support. Nevertheless, two studies suggested that collective actions may reduce depression and suicide, possibly due to a collective cathartic experience and greater social cohesion within subpopulations,” the article said.
In a letter sent to its members in June, American Bar Association President Judy Perry Martinez, called for a fair justice system.
“Our society and the safety of the people who comprise it — citizens and law enforcement — rely on the rule of law. But the law must be fairly applied and enforced. All citizens need to have faith that our justice system is fair, and our laws are applied equitably. It also is essential that laws and authority are respected and followed,” Martinez wrote.
"These tragic events must not define our nation and we stand unified in the principle of equal justice for all,” the letter concluded
NJLAP recognizes that the emotional upheaval caused by these recent tragic events, combined with 10 weeks of pandemic restrictions, may seriously deplete an individual’s resilience. Now, more than ever, we extend a helping hand to all New Jersey attorneys, judges, law students and law graduates. You are not alone, we are here to listen. Call NJLAP at 800-246-5527.