Recognizing Mental Health Week: Supporting Each Other in Our Profession

As we mark Mental Health Week from May 5 to 11, 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of mental health within our profession and our broader community. This week serves as a reminder that mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being, and it is an issue that touches all of us—whether directly or through the experiences of our colleagues, friends, and families. If we aspire to be a world-class IP community, we need to be open about mental health.

Recognizing the Challenges

Many of us, or those we care about, face mental health challenges. These can range from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions that may not always be visible but are deeply impactful. At the same time, the pressures of our profession—whether it’s the intellectual rigour of our work, the demands of clients, or the balancing act between professional and personal responsibilities—can exacerbate these challenges.

I cannot express the challenges better than Monday’s Mental Health Awareness for Legal Professionals IPIC webinar panel, moderated by Eileen McMahon with panelists Michael Herman, Ryan Middleton, Leslie Anne St. Amour and Dr. Judith Laposa. 

Imagine waking up every day and immediately sinking into a deep, dark hole without any light shining in or way to escape. The panelists described mental health challenges as a lifelong battle that can involve fear, anxiety and panic attacks and, even when well-managed, can evolve and require continued vigilance to manage.

Acknowledging these realities – looking beyond the surface and seeing the whole person – is the first step toward fostering a culture of understanding and support. The panelists also made the important point that although workplace stress can be healthy, it can turn unhealthy even for those not diagnosed with a mental illness.

The Role of Empathy and Decency
As practitioners in a field that values precision, creativity, and collaboration, we have a unique opportunity to support one another by fostering a culture of empathy and decency. Simple acts—such as listening without judgment, offering words of encouragement, or being mindful of the pressures others may be facing—can have a profound impact. By treating each other with kindness and respect, we not only create a healthier work environment but also set an example for others to follow.

A Shared Commitment
Mental Health Week is a time to reaffirm our commitment to supporting one another, not just during this week but throughout the year. Let us continue to build a profession that values compassion, inclusion, and understanding. If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to seek support—whether through professional resources, trusted colleagues, or loved ones.

This week, in addition to Monday’s recorded webinar, look out for IPIC’s Mental Health Week updates across our social channels and Newsbreak, where we’ll spotlight key findings from our latest member survey on the wellness supports you’ve told us matter most. Take a look as well at IPIC’s mental health resource page, with resources for those of us who are struggling and for those who are there to provide their support, including places you can call to address these issues in an emergency or anytime. IPIC personnel would also be pleased to help direct you to the appropriate resource if helpful.

Thank you for being part of a community that values not just intellectual excellence but also the well-being of its members. Feel free to reach out to me or any of the IPIC staff directly to discuss. Together, we can ensure that our profession remains a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Warm regards to all,

Nathaniel Lipkus
President, Intellectual Property Institute of Canada