This post is the first in series of weekly posts about attorney burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Run DMC and depression, who would have thought those words shared the same space?
I have noticed the stigma of mental-health issues diminish in the last few years. A recent podcast featuring a hip-hop icon supports my anecdotal observation. Recently, I listened to a stunning Pushkin Industries' "Broken Record" podcast episode featuring DMC (Darryl McDaniels) of Run DMC. For over an hour, McDaniels spoke openly about his struggles with depression. This is a breakthrough for those who suffer with depression and anxiety, with a heavy emphasis on the word suffer.
I am a huge fan of old-school hip hop. Well before the gangsta' rap and the rap music of today's milieu, old-school hip hop rappers built confident caricatures of themselves through their lyrics. In fact, rap has its origins in"boasting" Calypso music. Braggadocio was the currency of old-school hip hop.
McDaniels' revelation is raw. His voice quivers as he recounts how Sarah McLachlan's song "Angel" saved his life. Sarah McLachlan! This is one of pop culture's coolest icons admitting to grasping at a syrupy but beautiful, well-crafted, lite-Fm song to prevent him from suicide. The podcast is compelling for many reasons and is worth listening to in its entirety.
There are three subtle points worth mentioning. First, McDaniels describes his confusion with why he was depressed and anxious. You might be struggling with the same confusion. You met your long-term goals of becoming a successful attorney. You have accomplished a lot but you're still depressed. McDaniels' revelations on the podcast show that you can suffer depression even when you are successful in your business and personal life.
Second, McDaniels discussed how he visualized killing himself by jumping off a building because the pain of depression was too much. It is important to note that McDaniels did not harm himself and fought hard to live to tell the story of how he overcame the pain of depression.
Third, and, perhaps most important, McDaniels openly talks about psychotherapy and how it healed him. When you're in the depths of depression, you will probably tell yourself that nothing can stop the pain of depression. McDaniels is one of many who have been helped by therapy.
If you stumbled on this post, it is likely you are searching for answers. Listen to the podcast. Make an appointment with a therapist. Know that you're not alone. And take a little wisdom from Run and DMC:
"One thing I know is that life is short. So listen up homeboy [and homegirl], give this a thought. The next time someone's teaching why don't you get taught?"
Here are some helpful links:
Lawyers Depression Project - https://www.lawyersdepressionproject.org/
Lawyer Assistance Programs = https://www.americanbar.org/groups/lawyer_assistance/resources/lap_programs_by_state/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Lawyers With Depression Blog - http://www.lawyerswithdepression.com/
*This post is based on anecdotes. It cannot and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of your mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your condition.
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