Law School Stress: Students need help rather than hype.

Graduate and doctorate students face challenges that affect each area of life, from fiscal fitness and family responsibilities to physical and mental well-being. Those who have never pursued a degree or have long been removed from the stress associated with higher education sometimes lack the understanding necessary to feel compassion for students. Many often downplay the rigor of classes, homework, studying and the non-stop production of work-products that surpass the work of fellow-students to garner the B- or better average. Some even question a student's motives with quips about putting off "real" work.

When I began having difficulty adjusting to law school, my family and close-friends worked hard to provide support and encouragement. Still, the game-face many of my peers had, made my fears seem unfounded; until I did some research. Although students have lower suicide rates than their off-campus counterparts, graduate students account for the greatest percentage of campus suicides. Additional research revealed that law and med school students have an increased risk for substance abuse; especially women in these fields.

With the attention that school shootings receive, it seems that the media has not highlighted the risks facing graduate students and the factors contributing to pitfalls like substance abuse, self-abuse and suicide.

The point of this blog is not to publicize the dark times that graduate education can trigger, because many students have experienced the heartache first-hand. The point is for students to know they are not insane, incompetent or alone. The dangers of unaddressed, self-medicated depression and or stress are real. However, the avenues for support are open and success can be realized without caving in to the pressure.

A few students will always have "the time of their life" during law school, never knowing what it feels like to try and fail, to lose sleep, friends, lovers or spouses, financial security, weight and sometimes sanity. A few find it easy to complete the experience unscathed by its harshness and possibly delighted by the challenge. Yet, for the rest of us, who bleed when pricked and shiver when cold; there is NO shame in asking for help. We should take comfort in knowing that seeking the support needed to graduate with sanity will enable future success.