Michael Herman: A Legal Leader’s Journey Through Depression and Advocacy
Michael Herman, General Counsel at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, has emerged as a prominent voice in mental health advocacy within the legal profession. His personal journey with severe depression has not only transformed his life but also inspired a movement to challenge stigma and promote well-being in the legal field.
Herman’s career spans decades, marked by high-pressure roles in both legal and corporate environments. Yet, it wasn’t until 2016 that he reached a critical breaking point. Overwhelmed by chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and atrial fibrillation, he began to question the root cause of his suffering. What initially seemed like physical ailments ultimately led to a life-changing diagnosis: depression.
The realization came during a moment of profound introspection on his balcony, where he grappled with feelings of hopelessness and questioned the purpose of life. This transformative moment marked the beginning of Herman’s journey toward recovery and advocacy.
His path to healing was far from straightforward. Initially misdiagnosed with purely physical conditions, Herman underwent extensive medical tests that failed to explain his deteriorating health. It wasn’t until a psychiatrist diagnosed him with depression that he began to address the root cause of his struggles.
Adopting a holistic approach to recovery, Herman incorporated antidepressants, therapy, mindfulness practices, regular exercise, and a focus on nutrition. This regimen, combined with unwavering support from his firm, gradually improved his mental health and allowed him to return to work. His journey back was gradual, starting with part-time duties before resuming full-time responsibilities in 2018.
Herman’s experience also shed light on the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in the legal profession. Despite supporting colleagues with mental health challenges, he had internalized a “self-stigma,” viewing his own struggles as a personal failing. This internalized shame, coupled with a culture that often prioritizes resilience over vulnerability, delayed his seeking help.
A turning point came when Herman decided to open up about his experiences. In an email to his colleagues, he shared his story of depression and recovery. The overwhelmingly positive response revealed how widespread mental health struggles were, even within his professional circle. This moment inspired him to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Since then, Herman has spearheaded initiatives to create open conversations about mental health in the legal profession. Recognizing the high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse among lawyers compared to the general population, he emphasizes the need for systemic change. Herman believes mental health should not be a competitive issue and has urged firms to collaborate on best practices to better support employees.
His advocacy extends beyond his firm. Herman has shared his story publicly, including in LexisNexis’s publication, The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in The Legal Profession. He has also collaborated with organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Made of Millions Foundation to raise awareness and promote mental well-being.
As a member of the board for the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, Herman continues to work toward creating support systems that prioritize mental wellness. His efforts aim to reshape how law firms approach mental health, ensuring that future generations of legal professionals feel supported in seeking help and maintaining their well-being.
Through his journey, Michael Herman has become a pivotal figure in reducing the stigma around mental health in the legal field. By openly sharing his experiences and leading by example, he is helping to create a culture where vulnerability and self-care are no longer viewed as weaknesses, but as essential components of a healthy and thriving legal profession.
Michael Herman: A Legal Leader’s Journey Through Depression and Advocacy
Michael Herman, General Counsel at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP, has emerged as a prominent voice in mental health advocacy within the legal profession. His personal journey with severe depression has not only transformed his life but also inspired a movement to challenge stigma and promote well-being in the legal field.
Herman’s career spans decades, marked by high-pressure roles in both legal and corporate environments. Yet, it wasn’t until 2016 that he reached a critical breaking point. Overwhelmed by chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and atrial fibrillation, he began to question the root cause of his suffering. What initially seemed like physical ailments ultimately led to a life-changing diagnosis: depression.
The realization came during a moment of profound introspection on his balcony, where he grappled with feelings of hopelessness and questioned the purpose of life. This transformative moment marked the beginning of Herman’s journey toward recovery and advocacy.
His path to healing was far from straightforward. Initially misdiagnosed with purely physical conditions, Herman underwent extensive medical tests that failed to explain his deteriorating health. It wasn’t until a psychiatrist diagnosed him with depression that he began to address the root cause of his struggles.
Adopting a holistic approach to recovery, Herman incorporated antidepressants, therapy, mindfulness practices, regular exercise, and a focus on nutrition. This regimen, combined with unwavering support from his firm, gradually improved his mental health and allowed him to return to work. His journey back was gradual, starting with part-time duties before resuming full-time responsibilities in 2018.
Herman’s experience also shed light on the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in the legal profession. Despite supporting colleagues with mental health challenges, he had internalized a “self-stigma,” viewing his own struggles as a personal failing. This internalized shame, coupled with a culture that often prioritizes resilience over vulnerability, delayed his seeking help.
A turning point came when Herman decided to open up about his experiences. In an email to his colleagues, he shared his story of depression and recovery. The overwhelmingly positive response revealed how widespread mental health struggles were, even within his professional circle. This moment inspired him to become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
Since then, Herman has spearheaded initiatives to create open conversations about mental health in the legal profession. Recognizing the high rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse among lawyers compared to the general population, he emphasizes the need for systemic change. Herman believes mental health should not be a competitive issue and has urged firms to collaborate on best practices to better support employees.
His advocacy extends beyond his firm. Herman has shared his story publicly, including in LexisNexis’s publication, The Right Not to Remain Silent: The Truth About Mental Health in The Legal Profession. He has also collaborated with organizations such as the Canadian Bar Association, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Made of Millions Foundation to raise awareness and promote mental well-being.
As a member of the board for the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, Herman continues to work toward creating support systems that prioritize mental wellness. His efforts aim to reshape how law firms approach mental health, ensuring that future generations of legal professionals feel supported in seeking help and maintaining their well-being.
Through his journey, Michael Herman has become a pivotal figure in reducing the stigma around mental health in the legal field. By openly sharing his experiences and leading by example, he is helping to create a culture where vulnerability and self-care are no longer viewed as weaknesses, but as essential components of a healthy and thriving legal profession.
