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My husband is 52 years old. He works for a big city law firm. For the last six months, it seems he’s just been going through the motions. I thought he would snap out of it. A month ago he was laid off along with a dozen other lawyers. He’s been depressed ever since. He won't get up in the morning or even look at the classifieds. Heck, he won't even look at me. I have an OK job, but it takes two incomes to pay our expenses and retirement plans. I am really beginning to worry.

Beginning to worry about him, you, the marriage or the bills? I am worried about you! It sounds as though your husband was depressed quite some time before he was laid off. At 52, he may be burned out in many ways. Laid off lawyers have a hard time looking for “just a job”. However, 52 is not too old to think about a whole new career. I recommend a book called, What You Can Do With a Law Degree? and my own book, Should You Marry A Lawyer. Between them, they have good ideas for planning the transition and managing the finances. He cannot do this while depressed, so suggest he see his doctor and begin an antidepressant. Now for you: Take care of yourself and recognize that you are quite angry with him. Exercise, eat well, get rest and then maybe you and he can discuss your future. By Dr. Fiona Travis, psychologist, author of Should You Marry a Lawyer?				Depression is rampant among lawyers. Your husband has lost a lot, and he needs time to grieve that loss. However, if you sense he’s in serious trouble and your efforts to cajole him out of the house and back into life aren’t working, get help, now. Call the Bar Association in your area. All them have offer some form of lawyer assistance program, and often on a sliding fee scale. By Amanda, JD, a California bar advisor

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