This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program e-newsletter, Balance.
By Noreen Braman
Communications & Technology Manager, New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program
I recently read an article about the difficulty lawyers often have in asking for help. It reminded me of the time I worked a second job at a large department store. At that time, the store offered new employees one week of training that included not only how to work the register, but how to treat the customers. Part of the instruction was that we should never ask a customer, “May I help you?” The store’s philosophy was that this seemingly standard retail greeting elicited a “yes” or “no” response (not good), but also implied that the customer was “helpless.” At the time, I complied but I thought it was a silly, overcompensating rule.
Over the years as I’ve worked for nonprofits and other organizations that serve various populations, I see the wisdom of that rule. For some, the word “help” conjures up feelings of vulnerability and weakness. The idea of asking for help, for anything from a simple task to a life-threatening situation, can be extremely difficult. And, as the article pointed out, it is especially true for many lawyers dealing with addiction recovery because they fear stigma, disclosure and career consequences.
With a renewed focus on lawyer well-being, the New Jersey Lawyers Assistance Program (NJLAP), along with other Lawyers Assistance Programs across the nation and the American Bar Association, are here to help you. We can provide education and recommendations to help enhance resilience and boost a sense of well-being.
NJLAP’s vision:
Never again will a New Jersey attorney, judge, law student or law graduate have to say, “There was nowhere to turn.”
For more information, visit njlap.org or call 800-246-5527.