Wellness for Judges

️ 1. Stress Is Inherent in Judicial Work

• Judging involves constant intellectual and emotional demands.

• Stress is defined as any factor causing physical or mental tension, and it can contribute to illness.

2. Types of Stress

• Acute stress: short-term, resolves quickly.

• Chronic stress: persistent, harmful to mental and physical health.

3. Major Causes of Judicial Stress

Professional & Role-Related

• Isolation (both personal and professional).

• Unrealistic expectations of being “all‑wise” or always composed.

• Ethical constraints preventing judges from responding to criticism.

• Loss of control over schedules, deadlines, emergencies, and 24/7 responsibilities.

• Heavy workload, expanding dockets, and insufficient time for writing and file review.

• Exposure to traumatic content (violence, abuse, neglect) leading to secondary trauma.

• Difficult litigants, self‑represented parties, and unprepared attorneys.

• Pressure of high‑profile cases, media scrutiny, and public criticism.

• Safety and security concerns, including threats and loss of privacy.

Personal

• Family responsibilities, financial strain, health issues.

Environmental & Systemic

• Court culture and management.

• Physical work environment.

• Commuting.

• Conflicting roles and limited ability to do what feels morally “right”.

• Fear of making the wrong decision.

• Need to maintain emotional restraint (“game face”).

4. How Stress Manifests

Physical

• Fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, sleep issues, heart problems, GI issues, appetite changes.

Psychological

• Depression, anxiety, irritability, pessimism, overwhelm, concentration problems, decision fatigue.

• Vicarious trauma resembling PTSD symptoms.

Behavioral

• Mood swings, anger, frustration, lashing out.

• Increased alcohol or drug use.

• Decline in work performance.

️ 5. Addressing Judicial Stress

Foundational Steps

• Acknowledge that judicial stress is real and universal.

• Commit to taking time to address it.

• Decide on changes and follow through.

Physical Well‑Being

• Regular medical care.

• Healthy eating.

• Exercise.

• Monitoring alcohol use.

• Adequate sleep.

Support Systems

• Colleagues (“Is it me, or…” conversations).

• Family and friends.

• Professional help (therapy, counseling, medical care).

Time for Self & Family

• Protecting personal time and boundaries.

Judicial Education

• Learning, improving, and recharging through training.

Peer Connection

• One of the most effective stress relievers is connecting with other judges for solidarity and shared experience—whether in person or electronically.

Supporting Each Other

• Make time for colleagues.

• Notice signs of struggle.

• Offer assistance.

• Remind each other that judges did not create the problems they must resolve.

6. Resources Provided

• Judicial wellness articles and initiatives from:

  • Judge Gerald Lebovits

  • Colorado Judicial Well‑Being

  • NCJFCJ Wellness Initiative

  • NCSC Wellness Guide

  • Federal Judicial Center (Mindfulness and Judging)