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Breakout Session 1

Mental Health in the Legal Profession: A Story from the Inside

March 6, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST

Beth Beattie will share her personal story about living with bipolar disorder while working as a lawyer. She will address the prevalence of mental illness in the legal sector and the related isolation and stigma, particularly during the era of COVID-19. By drawing a connection between technology and wellness, Beth will speak to how the use of tech in legal practice can improve efficiency but also exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities. She will also explore the many reasons why lawyers choose not to disclose mental illness and how certain barriers can be overcome. Beth will share the signs to look for in colleagues who may not be doing well and how best to support them. Tips for getting well, staying well and developing resilience during the pandemic will also be provided.

Panelist:

Beth Beattie, Senior Counsel, Ministry of the Attorney General Civil Law Division, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care Branch

Beth Beattie

Beth Beattie is currently Senior Counsel at the Ministry of the Attorney General Civil Law Division, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Long-Term Care Branch. Beth has a broad-based health law litigation practice and has expertise in the areas of human rights, forensic and civil mental health, OHIP eligibility, Coroner’s inquests, and long-term care home compliance.  Beth has a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in alternative dispute resolution.

In 2002 Beth was diagnosed with bipolar disorder following a psychotic episode that led her to being hospitalized for two weeks at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. Because of the prevalence of the stigma surrounding mental illness, she hid her illness for 14 years, telling only her family and closest friends about her condition. Given the stigma surrounding mental illness, Beth endured much angst at the thought that her colleagues, clients and opposing counsel would find out about her illness and hospitalization.  

In 2017 Beth made the decision to come out of the “mental health closet” and started speaking publicly.  Since January 2018 Beth has been a Friend of the Bell Let’s Talk campaign.  Her story of living and working with bipolar disorder has been featured on television, radio, print media and billboards across the country.