Because life is hard.For life’s problems, confidential help

is available 24 hours a day.(800) 543-2625

www.wisbar.org/wislap

About WisLAP Services:Free and Confidential----------------------------------------------• Earlyidentificationofimpairment

• Interventionandmotivationtoseekhelp

• Consultationandreferraltoappropriatetreatmentresources

• Referraltoatrainedpeerassistant– anattorneyorjudgewhohas

committedtimetoassistastrugglingcolleaguebyprovidingsupport,understandingandguidance

• Informationandconsultationforthosewhoareconcernedaboutalegalprofessional

• Educationaltrainingprogramsonpreventing,recognizingandaddressingaddiction,stress,depressionandothermentalhealthissues.

Because Life is Hard----------------------------------------------Ifyou,someoneinyourfamily,oryourcolleague,areexperiencingmental,emotional,orphysicalproblemssuchasdepression,anxiety,physicalillness,oralcoholordrugabuse,WisLAPcanhelp.Free,confidentialsupportisavailable24/7bycalling(800) 543-2625.

Depression has many faces

Whatever the problem, WisLAP is ready to assist you. You don’t

have to manage it alone.

5302EastparkBlvd.P.O.Box7158

Madison,WI53707(800)543-2625(24hrhelpline)(608)250-6172(coordinator)

(608)257-5502(fax)www.wisbar.org/wislap

WisLAPWisconsin Lawyers Assistance Program----------------------------------------------WisLAPisaMemberServicesprogramoftheStateBarofWisconsinthatutilizestrainedWisconsinjudgesandattorneystoprovideassistancetojudges,lawyers,lawstudents,andtheirfamilies.Eachrequestforhelpistreatedwiththesameconfidentialityasthelawyer-clientrelationship.WisLAPisexemptfromreportingprofessionalmisconducttotheOfficeofLawyerRegulation(OLR),doesn’trequirecallerstodisclosetheiridentityanddoesnotkeepcaserecords.WisLAPisdesignedtohelpmembersbuildontheirstrengthsandprovideassistancethroughtheenhancementofmental,emotional,andphysicalhealth.Confidentialsupportisavailable24/7bycalling(800) 543-2625.

LAP27 3/11

Depression is . . .----------------------------------------------

An illness: Justlikediabetesorhighbloodpressure.Depressionisnotacharacterflaw.

Common: Oneoutoftenadultsexperiencedepression,therateishigherforlegalprofessionals.

Insidious: Peopleareoftenunawarethatwhattheyareexperiencingisdepression.

Ignored: 75percentofthosewithdepressionneverseektreatmentandsufferneedlessly.

Treatable: Morethan80percentofthoseseekinghelpfindrelief.

Too often people don’t get help for their depression because they don’t recognize the

symptoms, struggle to ask for help, blame themselves or don’t know that treatment is

available and effective. Help is available through WisLAP by calling (800) 543-2625.

Suicide Warning Signs----------------------------------------------• Verbalthreatsorcommentssuchas“You’dbebetteroffwithoutme”or“MaybeIwon’tbearound”

• Directthreatstodoharmtoselfsuchas“Iwilljustkillmyself”

• Depression• Expressionsofhopelessnessand/orhelplessness

• Personalitychange(withdrawal,aggression,moodiness)

• Givingawaylife’spossessions,gettingone’slifeinorder

• Lackofinterestinthefuture• Previoussuicideattempt(s)

Suicide Can be Prevented----------------------------------------------Inthemajorityofcases,suicideisatragicresultfromacommonandtreatablementalillnessand/orsubstanceabusedisorder. 

If you are concerned about someone:• Askthepersoniftheyarethinkingabouthurtingorkillingthemselves;askaboutsuicide

• Convincethemtoseekhelp,agreetotakethemtohelporcallforhelp

If you are considering hurting yourself or considering suicide • Tellsomeone• Call911emergencyservices• Gotothenearesthospitalemergencyroom• CalltheHOPESCrisislineat(800) 273-8255• CallWisLAPat(800) 543-2625

Signs and Symptoms of Depression----------------------------------------------• Persistentsadnessorapathy,crying,anxiety

• Feelingsofemptiness,helplessnessandhopelessness,worthlessnessorguilt

• Lossofinterestorpleasureinusualactivities

• Troubleconcentratingorrememberingthings

• Markedincreaseordecreaseinsleepandappetite

• Fatigueorlossofenergy

• Recurrentthoughtsaboutdeathorsuicide

AccordingtoaJohnsHopkinsUniversitystudy,attorneyssufferfromdepressionatamuchhigherratethanthegeneralpopulation.

Depression is Treatable----------------------------------------------• Earlytreatmentcanmakeapositivedifference

• Acombinationoftherapyandmedicationhasbeenshowntobeeffectiveindecreasingdepression

• Mindfulnessmeditationisgrowinginfrequencyasaneffectivemeasuretotreatdepression

• Seekconfidentialhelpthroughyourdoctor,atherapistortheWisconsinLawyersAssistanceProgram

Don’t delay in calling; there is a strong correlation between legal professionals experiencing depression and problems with discipline.