Ontario Lawyers' Assistance Program- OLAP

Alcohol and chemical dependency are recognized as diseases: chronic, progressive diseases characterized by loss of psychological and physical control over the consumption of alcohol or drugs. Millions of people across North America suffer from the effects of these addictions. These diseases cross all social and economic barriers. Lawyers and judges have a rate of addiction three times that of the general population.

Alcoholism and chemical dependency are primary diseases. These addictions follow a predicable and progressive course, inevitably worsening if not treated. Addictions are complex diseases because they affect all aspects of a person’s life—mental, physical, and emotional. Addictions are treatable conditions.

Denial

One of he hallmarks of addiction and chemical dependency is denial—the marked tendency to deny the fact of the illness, even when there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Denial is a natural defense mechanism against unacceptable realities and it may take many forms in connection with alcoholism and drug dependency.

What to do

Intervention: A systematic plan to confront a person suffering from addiction and offer specific options and consequences to the continued behaviour.

The goal of any intervention process is to get the person into a recovery program. This could be Alcoholics Anonymous, another 12-step program, a drug/alcohol treatment center or some other form of care.

The impact of an intervention may not always be immediately apparent. However, whether the impaired lawyer seeks help immediately or not, he or she is always changed in relation to alcohol (or the drug of choice) after an intervention. Denial is characteristic of people who are addicted and this is particularly true of substance abuse. Interventions work toward dismantling his denial in a constructive way. The secret of substance use is honestly confronted and out in the open.

If the impaired lawyer rebuffs offers of help, ask if you may contact him or her again in a few days. Try to leave the conversation in such a way that the impaired lawyer knows you stand by ready to help if requested. Practice detachment. For your own support, work with another volunteer or recovered alcoholic—someone who knows the process of intervention. The Tips For Peer Interventionists on page 17 will help set guidelines for an intervention.

The CAGE test

1. Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?

2. Have people annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?

3. Have you ever felt bad or guilty about your drinking or drug use?

4. Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves, or get rid of a bad hangover?

Two or three positive responses suggest alcohol of drug dependence. This test was developed by Dr. John Ewing, at the University of North Carolina.

Do YOU Have a Problem with Alcohol?

1. Do you lose time from work due to drinking?

2. Is drinking making your home life unhappy?

3. Do you drink because you are shy with other people?

4. Is drinking affecting your reputation?

5. Have you ever felt remorse after drinking?

6. Have you ever gotten into financial troubles because of drinking?

7. Do you turn to lower companions and an inferior environment when drinking?

8. Does your drinking make you careless of your family's welfare?

9. Has your ambition decreased since drinking?

10. Do you crave a drink at a definite time daily?

11. Do you want a drink the next morning?

12. Does your drinking cause you to have difficulty sleeping?

13. Has your efficiency decreased since drinking?

14. Is drinking jeopardizing your job or business?

15. Do you drink to escape from worries or trouble?

16. Do you drink alone?

17. Have you ever had complete loss of memory as a result of drinking?

18. Has your physician ever treated you for drinking?

19. Do you drink to build up your self-confidence?

20. Have you ever been to a hospital or institution on account of drinking?

If you have answered YES to any of the questions, you may be an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to any two, chances are that you are an alcoholic.

If you have answered YES to three or more, you are definitely an alcoholic.

The above test questions were developed by the John's Hopkins University Hospital.

Tips for Peer Interventionists

The Preparation

Get the facts
Make sure there is no conflict of interest
Practice the attitude of detachment. Remember, this person has a Higher Power, and you ain’t it!
Get a plan, including solutions

The Process

Be respectful
Be honest
Tell the attorney why you are there and then ask him/her to hear you out first, and then you will give him/her a chance to respond
Emphasize confidentiality
Emphasize you are not there to get the attorney in trouble…you are there to offer help
Don’t reveal the referral source unless the referral source approves and it would be helpful
Avoid judgments, including any diagnosis
Avoid power struggles…don’t argue about whether or not the attorney has a problem. Remember, this ain’t no trial!
Simply present the facts and offer your experience, strength and hope
Present a specific solution and offer your help in accessing that solution
Take action as soon as possible

If Rebuffed

Leave the door open
Ask if you can contact him or her again in a few days
Practice detachment. They have a Higher Power…(Part II)
Remember, there’s no such thing as a failed intervention

A. ADDICTIONS
2. GAMBLING

PRIMARY SOURCES OF HELP

ONTARIO PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE (24 hrs.) 1 888 230-3505 www.opgh.on.ca

CANADIAN FOUNDATION ON COMPULSIVE GAMBLING (ONTARIO) 1 888 391-1111

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS GTA 416 366-7613 www.gamblersanonymous.org

RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING COUNCIL www.responsiblegambling.org

SOME FACTS

Gambling is any time money or something of value is bet on an object or event with an uncertain outcome. Problem gambling exists when the activity affects relationships, family, friends, social and mental health, employment and finances.
There are many types of gambling. Legal gambling has seen a significant increase since casinos and slot machines became available. Legal gambling includes lotteries, casino games, bingo, scratch tickets, sports lotteries, VLT’s and slot machines and internet gambling. Stock market and internet gambling are on the increase.

Lawyers and gambling

Lawyers are at an increased risk of problem and pathological gambling because of access to trust funds and client monies. When pathological gambling is present it puts the interest of clients and their monies at serious risk. The potential for defalcation of very large sums of money has become evident. The legal profession is responsible to the public and has an ethical obligation to ensure honesty and confidence of the public.
Also, many lawyers set unreasonable and unrealistic goals for themselves and the expectations to be financially successful and related pressures can lead to addictive behaviours. Pathological gambling was accepted as a mental disorder included in the DSM IV in 1980. Gambling is a process addiction and an impulse control disorder.

Be aware that there are many people affected by pathological gambling as will as the gambler.
Family members are profoundly affected by the gambling behaviour and it is important that they get help as well. OLAP will help make the connections required to provide assistance. It is important to provide information about self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. There is a support group for families as well called Gam-Anon

The steps to recovery from gambling addiction are:

Remorse: The gambler must demonstrate genuine evidence of regret and remorse for past misdeeds and misconduct. This means acknowledgement of misdeeds and misconduct.

Repentance: The addicted person must demonstrate what changes for the better are being made for the misconduct.

Restitution: The gambler must make a detailed and structured plan for repayment of debts. (Gamblers Anonymous has a format for this process).

Rehabilitation: There must be a commitment to actively participate in rehabilitation including professional counselling and self-help groups.

Recovery: The person must be willing to document and demonstrate the type of lifestyle changes that are to be implemented to prevent relapse and return to gambling.

What to do
Problem gambling is very difficult to detect because of the level of denial. It is called the silent addiction because there is no visible evidence (no smell of alcohol, no physical deterioration).

Pathological gambling is a treatable disease and there are resources available to help.
Professional help and self-help groups are a very important part of the process. Family members, business associates, partners and professional colleagues may also need assistance. Do not hesitate to call OLAP and any of the numbers at the beginning of this section for assistance and advice on next steps.

TWENTY QUESTIONS SELF TEST
1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?
Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions
Source: Gamblers Anonymous 2007

B. MENTAL HEALTH

MOOD DISORDERS

DEPRESSION

PRIMARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION 416-484-7750
www.cmha.ca

CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH 416-535-8501
www.camh.net

MOOD DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO TOLL FREE : 1-888-486-8236 www.mooddisorders.on.ca

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE INFORMATION ONTARIO 1-866-531-2600 www.mhsio.on.ca

SOME FACTS

Everyone experiences the occasional “blue day” or a period of feeling “down”. It is also normal to be sad or feel grief after a loss, but true depression is quite different from these transitory situations. Depression is a medical disorder that produces a profound low mood and affects thoughts, feelings, health and behaviour. At one time or another throughout life, depression will affect over 25% of the population.

Lawyers and depression

Lawyers are particularly reluctant to seek help for depression. Some are unwilling to admit depression for fear they will be seen as weak or unreliable. Others believe they should be able to handle their own problems just as they handle their clients’ legal problems. Many practitioners simply do not recognize that there is a problem. Lawyers are three times more likely to experience depression than the general population.

What To Do

It is important that a person does not ignore symptoms and hope they go away. The longer serious depression goes untreated, the more likely it is to become chronic and damaging. Left alone, depression can cut short a promising legal career, destroy a loving family, and in extreme cases, lead to suicide. Chronic depression is not something you can “self treat,” “shake yourself out of,” or simply “wait out.” Even between depressive episodes, most of those who go untreated continue to experience negative effects, such as inability to concentrate, disorganization and apathy. Often, it is only a matter of time before the next depressive episode begins.

Depression is a Treatable Condition

Getting treatment is easier and less painful than one might imagine. It is important, though, that one suffering from depression see a professional trained in the treatment of depression. Usually treatment will consist of medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. Often people with depression begin to see positive results within a month of beginning treatment.

Remember, you do not have to go through these difficulties alone. OLAP will put you in contact with other lawyers who are coping with depression and who have had experience with the steps to take in getting help.

This test was developed by Dr. Douglas G. Jacobs, Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. It is not intended to substitute for a professional evaluation (to which OLAP can refer you), needed to actually make a diagnosis of depression.

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.

B. MENTAL HEALTH
1. MOOD DISORDERS

ANXIETY

PRIMARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION 416-484-7750
www.cmha.ca

CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH 416-535-8501
www.camh.net

MOOD DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO TOLL FREE : 1-888-486-8236 www.mooddisorders.on.ca

CANADIAN INSTITUE OF STRESS info@stresscanada.org www.stresscanada.org

SOME FACTS

Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems. It is estimated that they affect approximately 1 in 10 people. They are more prevalent among women than among men, and they affect children as well as adults. Anxiety disorders are illnesses. They can be diagnosed; they can be treated. Anxiety disorders are a group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Anxiety disorders include panic, social and specific phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and general anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Self Test

0 = Not at all                   1 = Somewhat              2 = Moderately                        3 = A lot
Category 1 Anxious Feelings
0          1          2          3          Anxiety, nervousness, worry or fear
0          1          2          3          Feeling that things around you are strange, unreal or foggy
0          1          2          3          Feeling detached from all or part of your body
0          1          2          3          Sudden, unexpected panic spells
0          1          2          3          Apprehension or a sense of impending doom
0          1          2          3          Feeling tense, stressed, uptight, or on edge

Category 2 Anxious Thoughts
0          1          2          3          Difficulty concentrating
0          1          2          3          Racing thoughts or having your mind jump from one thing to the next
0          1          2          3          Frightening fantasies or daydreams
0          1          2          3          Feeling that you’re on the verge of losing control
0          1          2          3          Fears of cracking up or going crazy
0          1          2          3          Fears of fainting or passing out
0          1          2          3          Fears of physical illness or heart attacks or dying
0          1          2          3          Concerns about looking foolish or inadequate in front of others
0          1          2          3          Fears of being alone, isolated, or abandoned

A score of greater than 10 may indicate anxiety. If you feel that you need to speak to someone about this questionnaire or any mental health issue, please contact one of our counsellors.
B. MENTAL HEALTH

MOOD DISORDERS

BIPOLAR DISORDER

PRIMARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION 416-484-7750
www.cmha.ca

CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH 416-535-8501
www.camh.net

MOOD DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO TOLL FREE : 1-888-486-8236 www.mooddisorders.on.ca

SOME FACTS

Bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) is a medical condition that involves changes in brain function leading to dramatic mood swings. These mood swings can be so severe that they impair the ability to function normally at work, at school and in relationships. Over the course of the illness, a person may experience periods of elevated mood, periods of depressed mood and times when mood is normal. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medication therapy, psychotherapy, education and support.

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 bi-polar disorder 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.

B. MENTAL HEALTH
2. SUICIDE AND SUICIDE PREVENTION

PRIMARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

ONTARIO SUICIDE PREVENTION NETWORK 905-521-1660 www.ospn.org

CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH 416-535-8501 www.camh.net

YOUR LOCAL DISTRESS CENTRE ________________________________
(can be found online at http://www.suicideinfo.ca/csp/go.aspx?tabid=86 )

SOME FACTS
· Lawyers and judges have a rate of suicide that is six times the general population.
· Every year over 3,500 Canadians commit suicide
· The incidence of suicide crosses all social, economic and cultural boundaries
· In people under he age of 35, suicide ranks as a leading cause of death: aboriginal youth and gay youth are high risk populations
· The rate of male suicide is 3.7 times higher than the rate for women
· About l5% of those who attempt suicide go on to complete the act later

Suicidal ideation may arise in severely depressed individuals, including those experiencing depressive episodes following or during alcohol or drug use. Statements such as “my family would be better off without me” or “I can’t stand it any longer” are signals that destructive impulses may exist.

Assessing Suicide Risk

1. The golden question in suicide prevention is “Have things gotten so bad recently that you have thought of committing suicide or ending your life?” or “Are things so bad that you have thought of ending it all?” or “Have you been having such a hard time that you have considered harming yourself?”

It is a common misconception that asking such questions will put the idea of suicide into someone’s head. There is a natural reluctance to ask questions of this kind. Persons experienced in suicide prevention tell us that this just isn’t so—the golden question saves lives. Whatever the answer, the best possible thing you can say is along the lines of “Look, I really want you to stay alive. I care.”

2. Determine if the person has taken any concrete steps towards suicide or is engaged in planning any particular method. Again, whatever the answer, say something along the lines of: “I don’t want you to harm yourself. I care.”

3. Try to keep calm and to calm the person you are trying to help. If you feel that the suicide risk is real and present, do not lose any time in contacting help. Speak with OLAP staff or another volunteer. If the risk is acute, do not hesitate to call an emergency number such as 911 or the Police or Fire Department. OLAP volunteers maintain confidentiality. An acute suicide risk is a threat to life and is treated as an emergency. In such situations, safety comes first.

Never disregard a suicide threat. Contrary to popular belief, such threats are not a mechanism to gain attention but they are a cry for help. Anyone in distress who will admit to suicidal thoughts or planning needs support. It is truly amazing how many persons who planned to commit suicide were prevented from doing so by a simple telephone call from a concerned friend or volunteer.

What to Do

Actively suicidal individuals should be hospitalized immediately. Most people at high risk for suicide respond positively when counseled to seek admission. Do not hesitate to get the help of a professional.

The information fact sheet and ways to help prevent suicide from the Ontario Suicide Prevention Network are included for additional information.

Ontario Suicide Prevention Network Fact Sheet

Suicide is not a topic people readily talk about but increasing awareness throughout our communities is making it easier.
Suicide prevention takes teamwork. Without the support from business, helping agencies, educational facilities, churches, service groups, etc., awareness would not be happening.
Canadian Mental Health Association estimates that 8% of our Canadian population is affected by completed suicides and suicide attempts.
The Suicide Information and Education Centre in Calgary says suicide is the second leading cause of death in our Canadian youth, aged 13-19, and a leading cause for those 25-34 years of age.
Suicidal thoughts, behaviours and attempts are cries for help.
One in seven Canadians has seriously considered suicide.
The National office for Canadian Mental Health has stated that for every completed suicide, there are an average of 100 attempts.
Canada has a higher rate of suicide that the United States.
It is important to take each threat seriously, even those who continually threaten.
Anyone can become depressed but because of the stigma attached to mental health issues, people do not seek help soon enough. Without treatment, there is a substantial risk of suicide.
Canadian Mental Health Association states that because of the stigma surrounding suicide, as many as 30% of suicides are not reported.
Many production years of life are lost in our communities each year because of suicide.
Bereaved families need support and understanding.

SUICIDE IS A COMMUNITY PROBLEM!

We can help prevent suicide by:

Listening……

This may be all that is needed.

Talking about it openly and honestly……

This gives the person time to really think about what they are saying.

Believing……

If someone is talking about suicide they need help in some way.

Staying with the person until help is available……

This person has come to you and trusts you. If the person will not let someone come to them they try to encourage the person to go with you for professional help.

Collecting phone numbers of helping agencies……

If you cannot convince the person to go for professional help, then make sure numbers are available to the person. You can only do what the person will let you do.

Talking to someone yourself……

You cannot handle this burden by yourself.

If someone is attempting or about to attempt……

Get help immediately.

Finding emergency numbers and placing them on the bulletin board---NOW!

If you are thinking about suicide, talk to someone about it.
If someone is talking about suicide, listen!

C. WELLNESS AND BALANCE

i. STRESS

PRIMARY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

HEART AND STROKE FOUNDATION OF ONTARIO 416-489-7111 www.heartandstroke.ca

CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF STRESS info@stresscanada.org www.stresscanada.org

ELI BAY THE RELAXATION RESPONSE INSTITUTE www.elibay.com
Eli Bay helps to transfer the art and science of stress control to others.

SOME FACTS

Stress is the everyday impact on your body as you respond to the people, places and things in your life. People often hold the belief that stress is a negative. Excess stress can undermine your health and capacity to function. Stress related factors are responsible for up to 90% of all visits to physicians. Two thirds of all disease and death in North America occurring prior to age 65 is preventable through improved lifestyle and stress management. Stress is a fact of life and can be a positive life energy force. Stress research has shown that a certain amount of stress is necessary to maintain vitality, creativity, and a zest for life.

Lawyers and stress
Lawyers experience a high rate of professional stress sometimes referred to as burnout due to the stresses of practice and finding balance in their lives. According to an American Bar Association report (1991) forty four percent of lawyers felt they don’t have enough time to spend with families and fifty four percent said they didn’t have enough time for themselves. One in four lawyers experiences feelings of inadequacy and inferiority in interpersonal relationships, anxiety, social alienation and isolation at a higher rate than the general population. (Washington State Bar Association Lawyers’ Assistance Program report).

Signs and Symptoms

Conflict between professional practice and home life
Too much to do at work and not enough time to do it
Too much to do at home and not enough time to do it
Dissatisfaction with career
Not sure of what others expect
Not sure what clients expect

In order to get ahead at work a feeling that you must compromise personal values

Doing too many little things instead of delegating
Take on too much responsibility at work and resenting it later
Not getting along with colleagues at work
Always being in a rush
Too many people leaning on me at work
Trouble with “politics” at work
Feel trapped in my career
Not enough time for self
Relationship problems caused by self
Difficulty saying no
Feeling misunderstood

Anxiety or panic attacks

Information about stress

The body, mind, emotions and spirit are inseparable and together play essential, interrelated roles in keeping us well. Too much distress in one or more of these areas can put us off balance. The maintenance of balance can bring personal harmony and productivity leading to wellness and optimal performance. Balance occurs when you are able to effectively manage your environment.

What to do

It is often difficult for people to recognize and acknowledge that they are under excess stress and if they do, they don’t know what to do. The following suggestions may help a fellow lawyer look at his/her stress levels and take action to find a more balanced life.

Take care of physical health
Identify stressors in the environment
Learn to interpret the stressors—the underlying thoughts and feelings
Be aware of personal reactions to stressors—what choices are available and how to cope

OLAP has resources and suggestions for helping to understand and managing stress. Special resources and clinics are available to help with relaxation and techniques for coping.

IDENTIFY YOUR PERSONAL STRESS CYCLE

FIND THE SOURCE OF STRESS

List three stressors in your environment (e.g. noise, crowds etc.)
1.
2.
3.

list three personal stressors (e.g. illness, relationships)
1.
2.
3.

list three of your on-the-job stressors (e.g. heavy work load, changes)
1.
2.
3.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU’RE STRESSED?

list your main physical signs of stress (e.g sweating, exhaustion)
1.
2.
3.

list your main emotional (feelings) sings of stress (e.g. anger)
1.
2.
3.

list your main behavioural signs of stress (e.g. pacing, forgetful)
1.

how do you cope?
list four of your most common ways of relaxing (what do you do?)

Lifestyle Questionnaire
The following test is adapted from a stress scale developed by Psychologists Lyle H. Miller and Alma Dell Smith at Boston University Medical Centre. Score each item according to how much of the time each statement applies to you.

1. I eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

2. I get seven or eight hours sleep at least about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
four nights a week. of time of time of time of time

3. I give and receive affection regularly. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

4. I have at least one relative within 50 miles on about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
whom I can rely. of time of time of time of time

5. I exercise to the point of perspiration at least about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
twice a week. of time of time of time of time

6. I smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

7. I drink less than five alcoholic drinks a week. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

8. I am the appropriate weight for my height. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

9. I have an income adequate to meet basic about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
expenses. of time of time of time of time

10. I get strength from my religious beliefs. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

11. I regularly attend clubs or interact with                 about 25%   about 50%     about 75% about 80-100%
      social acquaintances.                                                        of time         of time           of time         of time

12. I have a network of friends and acquaintances. about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
of time of time of time of time

13. I have one or more friends to confide in about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
about personal matters. of time of time of time of time

14. I am in good health (including eyesight about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
hearing and teeth). of time of time of time of time

15. I am able to speak openly about my feelings about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
when angry or worried. of time of time of time of time

16. I have regular conversations with the people         about 25%   about 50%     about 75% about 80-100%
      I live with about domestic problems, e.g.                 of time         of time           of time          of time
     Chores, money, and daily living issues.

17. I do something for fun at least once a week.          about 25%   about 50%     about 75% about 80-100%
                                                                                    of time         of time           of time          of time

18. I am able to organize my time effectively.             about 25%   about 50%     about 75% about 80-100%
                                                                                    of time         of time           of time          of time

19. I drink less than three cups of coffee (or tea about 25% about 50% about 75% about 80-100%
or cola drinks) a day. of time of time of time of time

20. I take quiet time for myself during the day.            about 25%   about 50%     about 75% about 80-100%
                                                                                    of time         of time           of time          of time

The questions you scored as NEVER, RARELY or SOMETIMES are meant to alter you to Lifestyle practices that may contribute to a vulnerability to stress. You can become more stress resistant by working towards change, so that each question can be answered as OFTEN or ALWAYS.

DO YOU NEED TO RELAX?

Probably – if you’ve experienced two or more of the following sings
in recent weeks:

Had headaches or stomachaches.
Lay awake at night watching the clock.
Needed more than one cup of coffee or tea to get you through the day.
Felt edgy and restless.
Had a panic attack, thoughts racing, heart pounding, palms sweating.
Lost your temper over something minor.
Burst into tears, felt emotional for no real reason.
Fell asleep while working.
Couldn’t concentrate on your work.
Repeatedly lost or forgot things.
Couldn’t unwind without an alcoholic drink.

OLAP understands lawyers. OLAP reaches out to lawyers.
5025 Orbitor Drive, Building 2, Suite 220, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4Y5 Toll Free: 1-877-576-6227 GTA: 905-238-1740 Fax: 905-238-2732

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