THE ONTARIO LAWYERS’ ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Depression

Mood disorders are very common. They affect 1 in 5 people at some point and yet few people seek treatment. Sometimes people are afraid to talk about it, or they don't recognize that they're experiencing a treatable illness. They may not know where or how to get help. This website was created to raise awareness about mood disorders and connect people with resources to get help if they need it. An online check-up offers privacy for people who want to learn more, and it's so easy to do that everyone can participate as part of their basic health routine.

Daniel T. Lukasik is a lawyer and member of the New York State Bar. He has developed a website that is strictly devoted to lawyers with depression. The website, www.lawyerswithdepression.com, was created to provide help to lawyers who are looking for support. Daniel recently published an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled "Even Lawyers Get the Blues: Opening Up About Depression". You can read the article in its entirety here.

A self-test is available at: http://checkupfromtheneckup.ca

You may also wish to visit the National Depression Screening site here .

You may also wish to read Other Bumps in the Road: Depression.

Dr. Douglas G. Jacobs, a key figure in National Depression Screening Day (each October) created two self-screening tests. They are not intended to substitute for a professional evaluation (to which OLAP can refer you), needed to actually make a diagnosis of depression or manic-depression (also known as bipolar disorder).

Depression:

1. I am unable to do the things I used to do.
2. I feel hopeless about the future.
3. I can't make decisions.
4. I feel sluggish or restless.
5. I am gaining or losing weight.
6. I get tired for no reason.
7. I am sleeping too much, or too little.
8. I feel unhappy.
9. I become irritable or anxious.
10. I think about dying or killing myself.

If you answered yes to 5 or more of these questions, and you have felt this way every day for several weeks, there is a good chance you are suffering from depression and should see a licensed mental health professional).*
If you answered yes to question 10, you should seek help immediately, regardless of your answer to any other questions.

Mania:

1. I have a decreased need for sleep.
2. I have much more energy than usual.
3. My thinking is speeded up.
4. I feel unusually euphoric and "high."
5. I can’t seem to stop talking.
6. I can’t keep my mind on one thing—I jump from task to task.
7. I have a heightened interest in sex.
8. I am irritable and short-tempered.
9. I have a close blood relative who has had a serious emotional illness or alcohol abuse.
10. I think about dying or killing myself.

If you answered yes to 5 or more of these questions, and you have felt this way every day for several weeks, there is a good chance you are suffering from mania or manic-depression and should see a licensed mental health professional.* If you answered yes to question 10, you should seek help immediately, regardless of your answer to any other questions.

Call  OLAP at 905-238-1740, or Toll Free at 1-877-576-6227.

A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE PAGE IS HERE (MS WORD FORMAT)

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