A legal practitioner, Tope Adebayo has called for greater awareness of the mental health challenges faced by men in the law profession.
A statement, made available to Newspot on Monday, in Taraba State, at the commemoration of International Men’s Day, by the legal personnel, highlighted the pressing need to address the mental well-being of male lawyers, particularly in the high-stress environment of legal practice.
He said, “Men face unique societal pressures that impact their emotional well-being, especially in demanding professions like law, where balancing professional and personal responsibilities is a constant challenge,” the statement read.
A statement signed by Tope Adebayo said the identified factors such as heavy workloads, high expectations and a competitive professional atmosphere as key contributors to mental health struggles in the legal field.
In addition to the above factors, traditional societal norms that emphasize strength and resilience, were also cited as barriers preventing men from seeking help.
“Men’s mental health is overshadowed by societal expectations of toughness, leading many to internalize their struggles. This can result in burnout, anxiety, depression, or substance abuse,” the firm stated.
Citing a 2021 report, Adebayo highlighted alarming statistics, saying, ”men are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than women”. Women are more likely to report symptoms of depression or anxiety, the firm noted that men’s emotional distress often manifests in ways that go undiagnosed, such as anger, irritability, or risk-taking behaviours.
Specific challenges within the legal profession were also emphasized. The statement noted, “Lawyers often face long working hours, high client demands, and emotionally charged cases, which contribute to chronic stress. The adversarial nature of legal work reinforces traditional masculine ideals of toughness, discouraging male lawyers from acknowledging struggles with anxiety, depression, or burnout.”
Referencing a study by the American Bar Association, ABA, which revealed that 28% of lawyers report symptoms of depression, 19% experience anxiety, and 11.4% have suicidal thoughts, the firm proposed several solutions, including flexible work policies, remote work options, and mental health initiatives that prioritize balance over burnout.
The statement also urged the legal community to reduce stigma, improve access to mental health resources and normalize open conversations about mental well-being.
“Promoting healthy work environments and championing mental well-being is essential to ensuring that men in the legal profession thrive both personally and professionally,” the statement read.
This year’s theme, “Men’s Health Champions,” underscores the importance of mental health advocacy for men, a topic Adebayo says has often been neglected.
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