For decades, the California Legislature has wrestled with how to fix workers’ comp — in some recent years, lawmakers proposed nearly two dozen bills. In 2020 lawmakers took a major step, adding a legal shortcut or “presumption” to the state labor code, stipulating that firefighters and other first responders are considered at high risk for PTSD in the course of doing their job. In practice, experts say that, despite the law, proving a mental health claim is still as difficult to overcome as the psychological injury itself. Break a leg while fighting a wildfire, and, when it’s backed up with x-rays, claims are approved. But break your mind after decades of exposure to on-the-job trauma? Prepare for battle. Read Julie Cart's story: https://cal.news/3RICMit 📸 Loren Elliott #CA #California #CalMatters #CalFire #CAMentalHealth #CaliforniaFireFighters #PSTD #FireFightersMentalHealth
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Connecticut attorneys stand to benefit greatly from the recently signed SB913, as it brings significant advancements in workers' compensation benefits. This law now allows coverage for mental injuries, including PTSD, for employees who have witnessed traumatic events, expanding the scope of eligible claims to all workers regardless of occupation. Attorneys can leverage this expanded coverage to better advocate for their clients and ensure they receive the necessary benefits and protections under this comprehensive legislation. With an effective date of January 1, 2024, this bill marks an important milestone in supporting the mental health well-being of Connecticut workers and presents attorneys with new opportunities to serve their clients' interests. https://bit.ly/3X7utOQ #PTSD #SB913 #TraumaticEvent #CTAttorneys #MentalHealth #ExpandedCoverage
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Law enforcement officers often face traumatic experiences unique to their profession, ranging from witnessing violent crimes to confronting life-threatening situations. While many individuals may naturally recover from such events with time and support, others may find themselves grappling with lingering emotional distress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the impact of police officer-based trauma requires a nuanced examination of the physiological, psychological, and social factors at play. These experiences can deeply affect an officer's mental health, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and hypervigilance. Moreover, the stigma surrounding mental health within law enforcement culture can further compound these challenges, often discouraging officers from seeking help or speaking openly about their experiences. This reluctance to address trauma can perpetuate a cycle of suffering and hinder effective coping mechanisms. As advocates for officer wellness, it's crucial to provide education, resources, and support systems tailored to the unique needs of law enforcement professionals. By fostering a culture of understanding and compassion, we can empower officers to prioritize their mental health and seek assistance when needed, ultimately promoting resilience and well-being within the law enforcement community. 💙👮♀️ #LEWellness #PoliceMentalHealth #EndTheStigma #BreakTheStigma #LawEnforcementMentalHealth #officersofcolor #larimarcounseling #larimarcounselingservices #femalecop #therapistforcops #therapistforpolice #traumacounselor #anxietytherapist #newyorktherapist #nytherapist #trauma #suicide #suicideprevention #officersofcolor #newyorkmentalhealth#copsofinstagram #lawenforcementofficers #mentalhealthspeaker #upstatenewyork #newyorktherapist
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The study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine sheds light on a concerning reality – approximately 21% of police officers exhibited symptoms indicative of depression. This finding underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health challenges within the law enforcement community. As a retired NYPD officer and licensed mental health clinician, I've seen the unique stressors and pressures that officers face daily. The demanding nature of the job, exposure to traumatic events, and the weight of responsibility can all contribute to the development of mental health issues, including depression. It's essential to recognize that seeking help for mental health concerns is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards healing and resilience. Through tailored therapy and support, officers can navigate the challenges they face and cultivate greater well-being. Let's prioritize mental health awareness and support within our law enforcement communities. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, don't hesitate to reach out for support. #larimarcounseling #larimarcounselingservices #femalecop #therapistforcops #therapistforpolice #traumacounselor #anxietytherapist #newyorktherapist #nytherapist #officersofcolor #legacies #newyorkmentalhealth#copsofinstagram #lawenforcementofficers #firstresponders #mentalhealthspeaker #upstatenewyork #newyorktherapist
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Assistant General Counsel @ NEC Corporation of America • Litigation • Employment Law • Contracts | Managing Director @ Stage 62
The toxic nature of the legal profession is certainly not a secret. The expectation is that you’ll willingly miss quality time with family, leave birthday dinners and baby showers early to get back to work, and take only a fraction of your vacation time, while still working a little every day. It’s ingrained in you early on that the only way to succeed is to put the job above all else and that client needs must always come before your own, even when they are unreasonable. This horrible tragedy was entirely preventable. Help lines and employee assistance programs are not enough. The profession’s entire outlook on mental health and work/life needs to change. It’s time to ensure that we support attorneys both professionally AND personally. It’s time to wake up. #mentalhealthawareness #prioritizewellness #legalprofession https://lnkd.in/eGtaV7uc
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The number of suicides in law enforcement is devastating and alarming. We don't want to see our friends, colleagues, and family members take their own lives because of the traumatic nature of this job. One crucial point we discussed in our last webinar was the need for leaders to set an example in using coping skills. It's not enough to just provide resources and advice—leaders must actively demonstrate these practices. When leaders take the time to care for their own mental health, it helps normalize these important habits throughout the workplace. Curious about strategies to help improve mental health and reduce trauma in law enforcement? Don't worry, you can still catch up! Use the link in the comments for insights from Amy Butler, Mark DiBona, and Melissa Kaiser, LBSW. 👇 Gain an information advantage with CACI International Inc, Protecting the Guardian, and Gap Relief #DarkBlueInsights #MentalHealthMatters #OSINTForGood #LawEnforcementSupport #SuicidePrevention #LeadershipDevelopment #TeamHealth
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Public Health Educator | Mental Health & Wellness Advocate | Subject Matter Expert | 2X Women’s National Golden Gloves Champion | Sigma Gamma Rho |
Love to see this! #mentalhealthsupport for legal professionals from within the organization. R3 Addresses Mental Wellness Among Legal Professionals with Clinical and Behavioral Health Services This is a critical moment for the legal profession. While the industry has always been high-stress, more evidence is showcasing the impact of demands on law firm leader populations. Consider: 28% of lawyers experienced depression at some point in their careers. 46% of lawyers experienced symptoms of burnout at some point in their careers. 60% of lawyers under the age of 30 reported problems with anxiety. To manage these and other clinical or behavioral struggles, many have turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms or taken drastic measures: https://lnkd.in/ervn5siY
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The top 3 reasons you got touch with LawCare for support during September 2023 were anxiety, disciplinary issues and stress. You were also worried about your careers and workplace bullying. If you need emotional support we're here Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. ☎️ call us on 0800 279 6888 📱 email: support@lawcare.org.uk 💻 visit: www.lawcare.org.uk to use our live online chat or read information about mental health and wellbeing We know that it can be very difficult to reach out for support when you are having a hard time. But it’s much better to seek help early on, rather than waiting for an issue to escalate. We provide free and confidential support to anyone working in the law in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. We offer a safe place to talk without judgement to trained staff and volunteers who work, or have worked, in the law. We understand life in the law and all its challenges. #law #MentalHealth #LegalProfession #TalkToUs #helpline #anxiety #stress #StopHurtAtWork
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Shoutout to all the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe. Let's talk about something that often goes unnoticed: mental health. Did you know that law enforcement officers are at a higher risk of experiencing PTSD? The constant exposure to traumatic events and high-stress situations can take a toll on their well-being. It's time we prioritize their mental health, just as they prioritize ours. It's time for change! We need to advocate for increased access to mental health services for our incredible law enforcers. They deserve support, counseling, and resources to help them cope with the emotional challenges they face on the job. Let's break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage a culture of support within law enforcement agencies. Together, we can create a safe space where officers feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. We can help each other. Teamwork. Connection. Treatment. Reach out today. https://lnkd.in/gPyRw4C9 . . . #aimeejconsulting #aimeejohnson #suicidepreventionconsultant #crisisprevention #accessibility #suicideprevention #helpstopthesilence #support #youmatter #ptsd #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #trauma #traumainformed #traumacare #therapy #counseling #PTSDAwareness
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Policing comes with its unique set of challenges, often placing officers at a higher risk for mental health disorders. Despite this recognition, mental health promotion within law enforcement remains a neglected area. While mental illnesses among officers are not uncommon, seeking help for these issues remains a significant barrier. To address this, interventions are needed to combat the stigma surrounding mental health in law enforcement and emphasize the importance of seeking support. Proactive measures such as mental health screening, ongoing monitoring, and intervention programs are crucial for promoting the well-being of police officers. Practices like mindfulness and stress management can equip officers with the tools they need to navigate the demands of their profession. Counseling services tailored to address depression and other mental health issues among officers are essential. Additionally, implementing regional mental health policies and peer mentoring programs within police organizations can provide vital support systems. It's important to recognize the influence of police culture in shaping attitudes towards mental health and tailor interventions accordingly. By addressing these challenges head-on and fostering a culture of mental health awareness and support, we can create a safer and more resilient law enforcement community. If you or a fellow officer are struggling with mental health concerns, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Together, we can prioritize mental well-being and create a healthier environment for all. #larimarcounseling #larimarcounselingservices #femalecop #therapistforcops #therapistforpolice #traumacounselor #anxietytherapist #newyorktherapist #nytherapist #officersofcolor #legacies #newyorkmentalhealth#copsofinstagram #lawenforcementofficers #firstresponders #mentalhealthspeaker #upstatenewyork #newyorktherapist
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Shockingly, Lawcare saw a 24% rise year on year up to August ‘23 in the number of legal professionals contacting them for support, with a 95% increase in the reason for that contact being bullying, harassment or discrimination. This article for Mental Health Awareness Week outlines the pressures, and support available, for legal professionals and, whilst mental health provisions in law are improving, calls for further work to be done, particularly around prevention to address these issues before they even arise: https://bit.ly/4dJYtIF What effective practices does your firm have in place to prevent stress and burnout? Can these practices and initiatives be shared and adopted more widely due to how sustainable the change is that they influence? #stress #burnout #wellbeing #workplacewellbeing #law #legalprofessionals #mentalhealth #LawCare To contact Lawcare, see https://bit.ly/3yxfFAY
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