Increased Rate of Mental Disorder Among Male Lawyers Worries Legal Expert
By Chuwang Dungs, Jalingo
A legal expert, Tope Adebayo, has raised an alarm over increased cases of mental disorder among men in the legal profession in Nigeria and have called for adequate facilities and personnel to curb it.
In a statement marking International Men’s Day, made available to DAYLIGHT REPORTERS, in Jalingo the Taraba state capital, Adebayo highlighted the critical need to address men’s mental well-being, particularly in high pressure fields like law.
Stressing this year’s theme, “Men’s Health Champions,” the firm, represented by Mr Adebayo, emphasized the importance of promoting mental health among men, a topic, which the firm said, is often overlooked.
“Men face unique societal pressures that impact their emotional well-being, especially in demanding professions like law, where balancing professional and personal responsibilities is a constant challenge,” the firm stated.
The statement pointed to factors such as heavy workloads, high expectations, and the competitive nature of the legal field as contributing to mental health issues.
It also noted how traditional norms that emphasize strength and resilience often deter men from seeking help.
“Men’s mental health is overshadowed by societal expectations of toughness, leading many to internalize their struggles. This can result in burnout, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse,” the firm said.
Citing a 2021 report, the firm highlighted the alarming statistics, stating that, “men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Though women, according to the firm, are more likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety, men’s emotional distress, as made known by the Adebayo, often manifests in ways that go undiagnosed, such as anger, irritability, or risk-taking behaviors.
The statement also drew attention to the specific challenges within the legal profession, stating that, “lawyers often face long working hours, high client demands, and emotionally charged cases, which contribute to chronic stress.
“The adversarial nature of legal work, reinforces traditional masculine ideals of toughness, discouraging male lawyers from acknowledging struggles with anxiety, depression, or burnout,” he said.
Referencing a study by the American Bar Association (ABA) that revealed 28% of lawyers report symptoms of depression, 19% experience anxiety, and 11.4% have suicidal thoughts, in addressing the challenges, he proposed solutions, to include, flexible work policies, remote work options, and mental health initiatives that foster a culture prioritizing balance over burnout.
He also urged the legal community to reduce stigma, provide access to mental health resources, and normalize conversations around mental health.
“Promoting healthy work environments and championing mental well-being is essential to ensuring that men in the legal profession thrive both personally and professionally,” the statement concluded.
