It’s been a long and stressful tax season. Mix long hours together with Covid and there’s real worry about mental health for tax professionals, as well as taxpayers. More often than not, one of the barriers to seeking help is stigma: it is difficult for any professional to admit that they are suffering. So let’s talk about stigma. This week’s episode focuses on the steps you need to take to confront personal mental struggles in the context of a real success story from a fellow lawyer, Brian Cuban, who has experienced depression and addiction.
Professionals Suffer From Addiction & Depression, Too
Joining Kelly this week is Brian Cuban, a lawyer who has faced his share of struggles. Brian is a lawyer, a famous author, and the brother of Dallas Mavericks’ coach Mark Cuban. Brian suffered from drug addiction, self-image problems, depression, and childhood trauma. Mental struggles can be a roller coaster for both people struggling, or people watching others struggle. Brian shares his experiences with those struggles.
We have all heard, that admitting is the first step to overcoming a problem. However, the battle does not stop there. Kelly states that “the idea of hopefulness can get lost in dark times.” Let Kelly and Brian shine some light on this matter by providing stories, resources, hope, and most of all, support, to fighting mental health stigmas while continuing the battle as a professional.
Listen to Kelly and Brian Cuban, talk more about overcoming mental struggles such as:
- Brian’s History with Addiction as a Lawyer
- How Law Firm Culture Triggers Mental Struggles
- How Lawyers Obtain Support and Reinforcement on Bad Behavior
- Ego and Profession Can Get in the way of Recovery
- Finding Your way out of False Functioning Ideas
- Identifying a Problem with Consequences and Community
- The Hope for Generational Change
- How Shifting Culture Changes Triggers
- Developing and Adapting is a Must
- Coping with the Impact of COVID
- Brian’s Steps to Recovery and Continuing his Profession
- Responsibility, Reconcile and Resilience
- What To Do When You See Someone Who Is Struggling
- Where & How You Can Find Help
About Kelly:
Kelly Phillips Erb created and hosts the Taxgirl podcast, your home for tax news, tax info, and tax policy. In each episode, she shares conversations about taxes, money, and the choices we make. Kelly is a tax attorney who works with taxpayers and tax practitioners like you every day. She helps folks out of tax jams, and hopefully, keeps others from getting into them.
You can find out more about Kelly here and you can follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.
To subscribe to the podcast (it’s free!) using Apple, Spotify, or your favorite listening app, click here.
Links Mentioned:
Kelly’s Website: Taxgirl
Brian Cuban: LinkedIn
Brian Cuban’s Self Image Book: Shattered Image
Brian Cuban’s Lawyer Addiction Book: The Addicted Lawyer
Addiction and Depression Resources:
