Resources for World Mental Health Day
Dear Students,
Sunday, October 10, 2020 is World Mental Health Day. Law school can be stressful, and that stress is exacerbated for many students by the pandemic.
I encourage you to take time to invest in your own mental health by working through one of the following modules. Most modules should take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Of course, you are welcome to explore more than one option if you like – there is some great information for each option.
Once you have completed a module, complete the Personal Wellness Self-Assessment.
Module 1: Stress Management and Wellness from the Law Student Perspective
Listen to this ABA for Law Students Podcast, Examining Stress and Offering Hope to Law Students. In this podcast, a group of law students discuss many of the stresses that law students face, including mental health issues like anxiety and depression, stress and time management pressures, particular challenges faced by LGBT students, etc. The podcast guests also have some practical advice for things law students can do to stay healthy, as well as some conversation about what law schools can do to support students.
Module 2: The Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness in Law School
Listen to this three-part podcast from the ABA’s Path to Law Student Wellbeing Podcast Series, The Practice and Benefits of Mindfulness. This podcast features special guest Scott Rogers of the University of Miami School of Law’s Mindfulness in Law Program: Part I; Part II; Part III; and this bonus 3-minute mindfulness exercise. Mindful meditation is often used by lawyers and law students as part of their self-care strategies, and many who practice mindfulness report feeling less anxiety and improved ability to focus, among other benefits. The podcast explores some of the many benefits of mindfulness and explains how law students can develop their own mindfulness practices.
Module 3: Protecting Well-Being in Law School and in the Transition to Law Practice:
Emerging From the Pandemic and Into the Legal Profession
Thursday, October 7, 4pm
Each year the ABA Law Student Division and the ABA COLAP Law School Committee partner on the national Mental Health Day Program. This initiative is intended to spotlight the critical importance of our own well-being, and specific strategies to protect our well-being in law school and in the transition to the real world of law practice. Join us for a conversation with national thought leaders on law student well-being and the impact of the pandemic on law schools and the legal profession going forward. We expect law students and law schools coast to coast joining us for this timely discussion…more relevant and critical this year than ever!
Module 4: Social Media Hashtag Campaign – A Day of Well-Being
Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10
Social Media Hashtag Campaign: Days of well-being. Each and every one of us can up our commitment to make the time to move around and stay healthy. Choose your activity, and post a picture using the hashtags #LawStudentWellness and #ABAMentalHealth.
- Twitter: #LawStudentWellness / #ABAMentalHealth
- Facebook: #LawStudentWellness / #ABAMentalHealth
- Instagram: #LawStudentWellness / #ABAMentalHealth
Additional Mental Health Resources
Here are a number of counseling, stress, and mindfulness resources that are available to you through the law school, the university, and from a number of other sources other to support your mental health.
Finally, please reach out if you would like help being connected to any resources or otherwise need any assistance.
Thanks,
Dean Aden
