What’s Your
STORY? BY Scott R. Mote, Esq.
At the Ohio Lawyers Assistance Program, we help lawyers, judges and law students cope with life’s stresses. A common theme we see is that many people wait until they hit rock bottom to contact us. Why do so many shy away from getting help? The biggest reason we hear is they fear that others will find out that they are struggling. They are afraid of the stigma that sometimes goes hand in hand with mental health and substance use disorders. I can assure you that OLAP is confidential. When you contact OLAP about yourself or a colleague, anything you discuss with OLAP will be protected by strong rules of confidentiality: 1. Prof. Cond. Rule 8.3 provides an exemption from the duty to report knowledge of ethical violations
when that knowledge was obtained in the course of OLAP’s work. 2. Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.14 provides that information obtained by a member or agent of a bar of judicial association shall be privileged. 3. R.C. § 2305.28 provides qualified immunity from civil liability for OLAP staff (B and C) and for anyone who provides information to OLAP (D). On the other hand, telling your story can help others. When others see that recovery is possible and that seeking help is appropriate and necessary, it helps relieve the stigma; it gives comfort to those who are afraid to surrender to their addictions. When you share your story and speak openly about your struggles, it helps others tell their stories and seek help. The stories that follow are from three courageous women lawyers who share their stories so that others can understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and courage. The weakness is believing the lie that you can do it on your own.
If you see colleagues who are struggling, reach out to them. If you feel you need help, ask for it. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of courage. Don’t be afraid to share your story. 10 | Columbus Bar L aw yers Quarterly Fall 2019