Season 8, Episode 1: Mental Health, Suffering, Silence and Storytelling in the Legal Profession (with Mariette Clardy Davis)

Ever wonder about the untold stories behind the successes of legal professionals? The latest episode of Notes to my (Legal) Self dives deep into the hidden battles fought by lawyers every day. While many firms promote feel-good solutions and organize "are you ok" days, the stark reality is that numerous legal professionals continue to struggle with mental health issues in silence.

In this episode, Mariette Clardy-Davis, AVP Assistant General Counsel, Mental Health Storyteller for Lawyers, and a multi-disciplinary creative force, shares her personal journey with bipolar depression, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into the challenges she faces and how she transforms her struggle into a source of strength. Her story resonates deeply, highlighting the often-overlooked mental health issues within the legal profession.

Mariette reveals the single most impactful strategy for improving mental well-being among lawyers, both in their professional and personal lives. Through her experiences, she underscores the importance of acknowledging mental health struggles and fostering a supportive environment in the workplace.

From the start, Mariette introduces herself as an in-house counsel at Primerica, focusing on securities business. She traces her unique journey to her current role, beginning in consulting and solo practice, which provided her with diverse experiences in mental health representation, estate planning, and emerging fields like Web3 and blockchain.

Delving into her advocacy, Mariette describes her diagnosis with bipolar depression at 21 and the years she spent suffering in silence. Her turning point came after two intensive outpatient treatments, which spurred her to share her story on social media, receiving overwhelming support and private messages from others who related to her struggles.

Mariette highlights the importance of creating a safe environment in the workplace where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health. As a manager, she advises listening more and speaking less, using open-ended questions, and being knowledgeable about available resources and support systems.

The conversation also covers practical tips for managers on identifying when an employee might need help, ensuring they feel safe, and how to offer support without infringing on privacy. Mariette emphasizes the significance of having resources and tools on hand, as people in crisis often cannot seek them out.

Mariette also discusses her initiatives, ML Clardy LLC and The Peak: A Doorway into Wellness newsletter, aimed at providing ongoing mental health support and resources for lawyers. The newsletter offers quick-start actions and tools to help attorneys manage their mental health effectively.

In the closing moments, Mariette reflects on the power of storytelling in de-stigmatizing mental health issues. She sees herself as a bridge-builder, connecting people through her stories and providing resources and support to those who need it. Her ultimate message is to find what works for you, using the lessons from her story to build your unique path.

By tuning into this episode, you gain valuable insights into the importance of mental health awareness in the legal field, learn practical approaches to support your well-being, and discover how to create a more empathetic and supportive legal community. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that promises to change the way you perceive mental health in the legal profession.