ABA YLD

Combating Winter Blues - You’re not Alone
By: Victor A. Flores

The winter holidays are intended to be a time of experiencing and spreading joy. However, for many they can be a depressing and stressful experience. The causes for holiday depression vary: loss of a loved one, not enough time or money, a failed relationship, loss of job, or other life-changing events. Still, there is hope.  

The ABA Commission on Lawyer Assistance Programs has a mandate to educate the legal profession concerning alcoholism, chemical dependencies, stress, depression, and other emotional health issues, and assist and support all bar associations and lawyer assistance programs in developing and maintaining methods of providing effective solutions for recovery. The ABA YLD website has an assortment of resources to educate attorneys about how to obtain help for themselves and others.

The State Bar of Texas offers the Texas Lawyers’ Assistance Program, which helps Texas attorneys, judges, and law students whose professional performance is impaired because of substance abuse, dependency, or mental health issues. All communication with TLAP is confidential by statute. All calls to the TLAP office can be made through 1-800-343-8527.

Moreover, the Sheeran-Crowley Memorial Trust helps Texas lawyers, judges, and law students who need help but cannot afford it. Learn more at sheerancrowley.org.  

For immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) toll-free, 24 hours or text the Crisis Text Line (text START to 741-741).

The fact remains: You are not alone. Help is just a phone call or text away.  

Victor Flores is an assistant city attorney with the City of McAllen – City Attorney’s Office. He is the TYLA/ABA YLD District 25 representative, representing Central and South Texas. He can be reached by email at vflores@mcallen.net.