“What mental health needs is more sunshine, more candor, more unashamed conversation.”
– Glenn Close
Our Mission
When I get the usual “elevator pitch” request to state my mission in two or three sentences, I reply that one will do: “To share my story of healing, recovery, and hope from depression and alcoholism with as many people as I can for as long as I can.”
I was scared when I started; the stigma that still surrounds these mental health conditions can be formidable. Yet, folks thank me for describing my journey out of depression’s stifling darkness, say I’m brave, and often share their own or loved ones’s stories of mental health and/or substance use.
Millions of us have such stories, and when we talk about them, we create compassionate spaces, shut out stigma, and bring hope and deep companionship. You often don’t know how or whom you will help, but you will.
Light at Sea Blog
In early 2013, I took a leave from my law firm to fight through a year-long depression. I’m now on the other side of that lonely abyss, and feeling better in many ways than I ever have.
On the path to healing, I learned sustainable self-stewardship habits that have become the foundation of my well-being and resilience. Because I think my wellness ideas and perspectives could be helpful to others during these uncertain, divisive times, I started blogging on a platform I’ve named Light at Sea.
It’s a well-lighted, warm place for talking about wellness challenges and healing, self-stewardship and resilience, and nurturing hope and courage. We need this strength and ethos now more than ever, as we link strong, compassionate arms, and work in the service of one another with lighter hearts and more focused minds.
May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
In addition to providing a candid narrative of my victory over severe depression and ongoing recovery from alcoholism, I discuss pressing issues of attorney mental wellness, substance issues, and self-stewardship challenges, as well as mental health best practices in the legal profession. My talks cover:
Relevant statistics and the stressors of an increasingly polarized, social media-dominated world.
Best mental health practices including designing a robust mentoring program.
Strategies for spotting the red flags of mental health conditions and addiction, and supporting colleagues, particularly while working in a hybrid environment.
Developing self-stewarding habits and strategies to build resilience, nurture physical and mental wellness, broaden inclusion and acceptance, and refresh hope.
Recruiting a group of Support, Energy, Accountability and (sometimes tough) Love (a SEAL Team) that supports colleagues who may be struggling with mental health conditions and/or possible substance use challenges.
Forging an innovative, inclusive, and empathetic mission for the law firm that promotes a healthier work-life integration.
Presentations
“Cam, thank you for one of the best hours I've spent in a very long time. Appreciate your candor, honesty, humor, and humility so much. You are doing life-saving work!”
— MCLE Attendee at Am Law 100 Firm
The Advisory Board
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Duane E. McWaine, MD
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Patrick Krill, JD
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Laura Docter, PhD
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Elijah Thornburg
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Tom Henry
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Elizabeth Dumanian, MSW
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Michael Culver, JD
Let’s Talk
Drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you!
Cameron Stout • (415) 595-5409