Even the person who takes the most assiduous care of their physical health with exercise and proper diet and sleep, will sometimes need to see a doctor. Accidents happen. Common illnesses strike. The same is true for mental health. One can follow every practice in the book to care for one’s mental and emotional wellness but life happens. Everyone experiences grief, anxiety, sadness or fear at some point. Sometimes these emotions can be managed with the first aid package of rest, meditation or prayer, other forms of self-care, and time. Sometimes, however, a professional’s care is advisable.

The ABA National Taskforce on Lawyer Wellbeing cites research identifying many factors that discourage asking for a professional’s health with mental health conditions. Of the ten factors identified, six of these have their roots in the stigma that is associated with asking for help with mental health. It is time that we began thinking of mental, emotional, and physical health as a whole and recognize that professional diagnosis, guidance, and treatment are an important part of everyone’s health. If you need help, ask.