Friends,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to share some thoughts that I had about our office’s COVID-19 response. First, thank you all for being so proactive in protecting us from the potential physical manifestation of COVID-19. The phased plan not only provides biologically sound practices, but also certainty in a time where that is a valuable commodity.
I wanted to draw attention to another aspect of the COVID-19 response: the stigma attached to the disease and infection and broader mental health implications. The stigma is well earned by a deadly and fear inspiring virus. However, I worry that our concrete plans and preparation could lessen our attention to two important items: (1) a given individual’s amount of control in transmission, and (2) the general mental health of our attorneys and staff.
If there's not a vaccine for covid-19 by the end of the year, statistically it's highly likely that someone in our office will have contracted the disease. It might be when X comes back from Y, it might be when A goes in for a routine doctor's visit, maybe when B goes for a run downtown, or it might be when C picks up a sandwich at Arby's drive thru. We can all take the steps that have been laid out before us, but none are a cure-all.
Our office has done a lot to curtail any potential spread of infection. However, the fact that many of the infected are asymptomatic makes necessary interactions so difficult to assess and avoid infected people; and even the most well-intentioned individuals can't help being coughed on by a jogger who runs past. However, I would humbly suggest that we try to do more to pre-emptively destigmatize anyone who contracts the disease, or needs our (physically-distanced) help if they get it. Maybe by reiterating in our next all-hands-on-deck call that we’re a tight-knit family that’s here for those in need.
I've spoken over-the-phone with two people who have had it, both young, healthy individuals. It laid both of them out for about seven days. In short, I don't want to be part of someone feeling like a pariah while they are trying to get better. Which brings me to my second point:
We're doing a wonderful job by proactively protecting our staff from COVID-19. I worry about the active issue of our officemates’ mental health both individually and collectively. The whole country is on edge from “corona fatigue;” there’s a sharpness in the air. I’ve seen it in myself, which I’m not proud of; and I’ve seen it in others. I’ve found myself constantly reminding myself to be more understanding and patient – which is so difficult. As attorneys, we might even be in worse shape than many others – we not only bear our own increased responsibilities, but we must deal with near-constant impotence to help our clients while maintaining a vested interest in the lives and fortunes of all of our clients as well.
I received word today that one of my good law school friends discovered the body of their managing (and hiring) partner, a suicide note, and the employed instrumentality. He’s survived by a wonderful family and a lovely grandchild. My friend is devastated. The things that he has confided in me have inspired me to send this email asking for you all to strongly consider opportunities to care for your own and our collective mental health as much as we have the physical risks associated with COVID-19.
I know that D is a big proponent of LAP, and E has offered EAP – both are great resources. I would like to offer that during our all-hands-on-deck meetings that we take time to acknowledge and positively recognize the efforts of each of our office mates. For many of them, a confirming pat on the back and acknowledgement of any amount of progress is a good thing. I know that if there is anything to be done to avoid someone harming themselves during this incredibly stressful time, then we should act.
