Is mental breakdown a sensitive matter ?

Once upon a time, one of my colleagues appreciated me in public stating that "You are my best in house counsel". That was one of the best days of my life ! These days often lift me up, during grim hours.

However, not every day is the same. There are horrible days wherein a lawyer goes through mental breakdown. The issue of mental health condition is one of the major concerns that affects millions in the United States. Factors such as social media use, isolation, loneliness, family history and experiences play an aggravating role. At times, significant life changes such as becoming a parent also tend to create an upheaveal in one's life.

Although social media for healthcare professionals can lead to reaching out to fellow colleagues and potential patients, however, there could also be unhealthy behaviours such as excessive comparison to others, cyber-bullying and experiencing fear of missing out ("FOMO"). Excessive indulgence with such social media platforms leads to anxiety.

The pandemic was a life altering event. Social isolation led to negative consequences on psychological well being. The pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of a human being such as being unable to work, lack of support from loved ones and engaging socially less.

As per information available in public sources, in the US, does social isolation result in obesity ? Do men start smoking a lot more as a result of social isolation? Does binge alcohol use amongst colleagues in social gathering require consent ?

It is human nature to ask for help. However, there are times when a person feels helpless. Can a person take tablets when they feel so? Humans have ego & insecurities, and in a professional setting, colleagues tend to guard themselves against mental pain.

Note: This is the excerpt of an article that I am currently reading. It is a part of Viral Note Series ("VNS").