Surviving the Suicide of a Family Member

Dan Lukasik, JD, has made more than 200 presentations throughout the U.S. on depression, anxiety, and stress. Many presentations have been to law firms, bar associations, judicial associations, and law schools. Lukasik and Dr. Andy Benjamin, Board Member and Director of Training/Consultation at Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers, have worked together to improve lawyer health throughout the profession.

“My Brother Lost In Time: A Bipolar Life” is Lukasik’s affecting, tender, and ultimately redemptive documentary. As people left behind by suicide increasingly show solidarity for their shared losses, the documentary shows and destigmatizes the shame. In 15 minutes, he relates growing up with a father who became an alcoholic and a mother who became mentally ill, how he overcame obstacles to become a successful lawyer, and how receiving a diagnosis of major depression at age 40 proved to be the catalyst that allowed him to begin addressing and managing his mental health in sustainable ways, and also build a movement to increase the health of lawyers. After more than 30 years as a trial lawyer, Dan Lukasik serves as the Judicial Wellness Coordinator for the New York State of Court Administration.

Dr. Andy Benjamin (At Large Board Member For Washington Lawyers Assisting Lawyers and its Director of Training/Consultation) has worked with Dan Lukasik to increase lawyer health. abenjamin@walal.org