Navigating Change with Professor Andrew H. Benjamin
During these times of immense change and suffering, it’s especially important for change agents to gather together. Professor Benjamin spent a Saturday morning talking to a group of lawyers and law students across Canada and the United States on anxiety, resilience and navigating change. He is a Clinical Professor of Psychology and Affiliate Professor of Law for the University of Washington (UW) and the supervisor for the UW Law peer support program.
He spoke to the group about our ability as humans to influence others in helping them stay healthy while creating ways to stay healthy ourselves. The truth is - anxiety is a prevalent condition for law students and lawyers. Several peer-reviewed and empirical studies tend to show law as one of the toughest professions for its members where up to one third of lawyers are burdened with anxiety, depression or frustration. Sometimes this leads to alcohol and substance abuse. Other times, to hostility and cynicism, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
As one of the toughest professions to stay healthy in, the historical pedagogy of law schools has, unfortunately, failed our students. He shared his story when his third year mentor for his small session committed suicide. The impact of his death reverberated in Professor Benjamin’s life, and compelled him to address the higher probability of suicide and social isolation in the legal profession. To this day, he takes an active role in helping law students and lawyers out of depression. He suggests systemic training on resilience for law students that would help them build and sustain themselves throughout the course and development of their careers.
During times of change, and now on the onset of COVID, the 4 C’s come in handy:
1. Stay Conscious: In an age where we are overwhelmed with suffering, it's hard to remain conscious when we feel affected by the media or those around us. We need to stay conscious of what is at hand and learn to separate internal emotions from external factors.
2. Act Congruently with our Values: Instead of being affected by internalizing external facts beyond our control, look inside yourself and remind yourself of your values. Our values keep us grounded. Acting consistently with what you inherently believe in helps create a sense of control.
3. Commit to and activate our communities: Reach out to your community, and recognize those kindred spirits around you who are able to give you the support you need in the form you need. These spirits are givers in their relationship with you. Keep them close. Reciprocating your community may mean to be a bit more forceful in following up on a friend’s tone that suggests troubled thoughts.
4. Creativity: Commit yourself to learning something new, such as a new hobby or new endeavor. Activate your creativity as a means to channel suffering and difficulty.
Professor Benjamin also shared a graph which depicts emotional high and lows after a disaster, like a pandemic. From his perspective, we are currently in the “Heroic” stage where thousands of people are putting their lives on the line to push through the crisis. Given that there is no guarantee when the vaccine will be ready, the worrying part is when we reach the “Disillusionment” stage, where many good people will be in danger of depression and suicidal thoughts.
For the time being, we should focus on building resilience. Professor Benjamin recommends practicing self care, high quality sleep (at least 7-8 hours everyday), making and sustaining connections which build you up, and accepting that change is normal. Take decisive actions for your health and avoid being passive.
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At Beyond the A, we understand that anxiety and mental health is a serious issue. While we do not purport to be experts, our mission is to open up the conversation and provide you with the tools and resources to excel in your career and beyond. If you are seeking immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or access our resources page.
Given the sensitivity of the topic, we are always open to further conversation about it. Email us at info@beyondthea.co and someone from our team will get back to you.