Dear Colleagues:
I have been lucky. I know that is a strange thing to write for someone infected with the COVID-19 virus, but for the most part my symptoms have been manageable. I will admit I got a tear in my eye when the medical technician told me that I tested positive. I drove home thinking about all the things I still had to do. Family, work, Bar Association and on and on.
The first day I got in bed, checked my temperature and my pulse O2 level and started making plans. I was 98 O2 saturation and 100.8 fever. I can work with this. No, the virus was just warming up. The reason I am lucky is I have my core office people running my office. I have my wife at home with me, although I am sealed away from her, helping me to get through this, and we have great people associated with the Bar Association in addition to our dedicated staff.
Some days have been bad. I have never passed out in my life. I almost did that yesterday. But I no longer worry about the things that consumed me on my ride home from the Twin River coronavirus test site last Saturday. There are people surrounding all of us who will step up when called upon. Not only am I lucky, but I’m grateful.
Stay well.
David N. Bazar
President
Rhode Island Bar Association
COVID-19 Wellness Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes to daily life, and disrupted normal routines at work, at school, and at home. Physical isolation can negatively affect mental health, and constant news coverage can bring fear and anxiety about the disease. In response, the Bar has compiled the following list of resources to help manage stress and anxiety during the pandemic.
Continuing Legal Education
The CLE Committee is working on developing mental well-being programming to be scheduled at the end of May and June. The CLE department is also in the process of creating a COVID-19 section in our on-demand catalog dedicated to programs that focus on managing stress and anxiety during these difficult times. We hope to have this section ready by early next week and will circulate a notice to members when the programs are available to view.
Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee
Although many of us are hunkered down and working from home, it is important to have virtual interactions with our peers and colleagues to avoid the detrimental effects of social isolation. If you find yourself seriously struggling with personal concerns and need someone to talk to, members of the Lawyers Helping Lawyers Committee are available to speak with you CONFIDENTIALLY. Visit the Bar's Lawyers Helping Lawyers page for more information, and scroll down the page for list of members ready and willing to listen. Even though most of our interactions with others at this time are being conducted virtually, there is always someone happy to listen and assist you.
Coastline EAP
Coastline EAP is a private, non-profit consulting service contracted by the Association to assist you at no charge. The professionals at Coastline EAP provide confidential consultations for a wide range of personal concerns. If you are in need of assistance, you can contact Coastline EAP and identify yourself as a Rhode Island Bar Association member seeking help. To contact Coastline EAP please call 1-800-445-1195.
Coastline EAP has created a section on their website dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this special resource section, you can learn about coronavirus and find resources to help manage stress and your mental well-being during these difficult times. Below are just some of the helpful articles and informational videos available on their website.
For more helpful resources, click here to access the Coastline EAP COVID-19 Resource Center. When prompted, enter RIBAR as the company username.
American Bar Association
The ABA Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs compiled a list of Mental Health Resources for the Legal Profession During COVID-19. To access the complete list of resources, please click on the links below.
• COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
• Doubling Down on Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Additional Resources
American Psychiatric Association
The National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being