CBA Saskatchewan, Alberta will discuss how AI can reduce stress, improve balance
For this year’s Mental Health Week, which will run from May 4–8, the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) has highlighted programs, resources, and support seeking to help lawyers improve their well-being and thrive in their personal and professional lives.
In a post, the CBA affirmed its commitment to addressing stigma against mental health within the legal profession. The CBA expressed gratitude to the Alberta Lawyer Assistance Society (Assist), its partner in this initiative, for its contributions to improving the well-being of lawyers.
In an update, the Law Society of Alberta described Mental Health Week as an opportunity for legal professionals to reflect on their well-being and help make legal practices healthier and more sustainable.
The CBA provided more information regarding its selection of programs, facilitated by its different branches.
May 4 (Monday)
“Grief Literacy in the Workplace” – hosted by CBA Alberta – aims to examine:
- how people currently understand and approach grief, loss, endings, and other transitions
- how to create spaces that support those grieving, not isolate them
- how to foster grief literacy in culture and workplaces
Those running the workshop will also share practices for individuals, leaders, and communities to respond more healthily, honestly, supportively, compassionately, and courageously to grief and loss.
Also on Monday, Assist will lead the Red Mug Coffee Circle, focusing on social well-being.
May 5 (Tuesday)
“The Power in Being Present” – presented by CBA British Columbia – intends to tackle the issue of chronic stress, which impacts well-being, cognitive performance, and decision-making.
The program will also urge participants to consider mindfulness as a way to deal with overwhelming workloads. Attendees will learn about common mindfulness myths and realistic, efficient techniques for integrating mindfulness into their practice.
Also on Tuesday, Assist will hold a 15-minute mindfulness session focused on spiritual and emotional well-being.
May 6 (Wednesday)
“AI & Mental Health in the Legal Profession: Balancing Tech and Well-Being” – presented by CBA Saskatchewan and CBA Alberta – will delve into technology’s impact on well-being. The webinar will address AI’s possible risks to mental health and its potential benefits for decreasing stress and increasing balance.
“Menopause and Lawyering” – presented by CBA Alberta’s Women Lawyers’ Forum Section – will discuss menopause, its symptoms, and its potential consequences on practice. The webinar seeks to help normalize menopause in the workplace.
Also on Wednesday, Assist will arrange a virtual and in-person yoga session that focuses on physical well-being.
May 7 (Thursday)
“Moving Beyond the Stigma” – presented by the CBA BC – aims to acknowledge the impulse to conceal mental health issues in an effort to maintain credibility among clients and peers. The program will emphasize that this impulse to internalize can lead to feelings of isolation.
The webinar seeks to show the value of speaking honestly rather than staying silent, as lawyers at all experience levels go through similar struggles.
Also on Thursday, Assist will facilitate a psychological first aid session, focusing on social, emotional, occupational, and intellectual well-being.
May 8 (Friday)
Assist will lead a casual outdoor noontime walk aimed at improving the physical and social well-being of participants.
