Silent Struggle – Episode 19: Stress Mental Health and Lawyers, Hon. Katherine Fernandez-Rundle

With a continuing concern regarding stress and mental health and its effect on so many, Robert Asencio and David Magnusson of “Silent Struggle Hosted by Military and Police Veterans” delved into lawyers and a view into Florida’s largest prosecutor’s office. On Friday 26 January 2024, Ms. Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade County State Attorney for the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida was welcomed to the 19th episode of “The Silent Struggle” to discuss mental health issues and how they impact the criminal justice system and her hard working team.

This episode was broken down into two components. The first being, the various diversion programs and specialized courts that tackle the very issue of mental illness and non-violent misdemeanor offenders, such as mental health court, drug court, and veteran’s treatment court. They alternate programs fall under the purview of what is known as the “Smart Justice Approach” with a focus on treating people as individuals.

The second part to the mental health aspect was a discussion on how mental health affects the assistant state attorneys as individuals. Discussion was aimed the stress these professionals are going through daily coupled with staffing shortages that occur due to better financial opportunities outside of the State Attorney’s Office. Recent psychological studies on lawyer well-being were discussed as well.

In the end, the fine work the Assistant State Attorneys, Assistant Public Defenders, and Law Enforcement community undertake regarding mental health and protecting those afflicted by it, is beyond admirable. But it is worth noting that they too look to fight the stigma and find strength in protecting themselves as well. It is a consistent battle.

Other episodes that tie it all together are as follows: These are introductory segments introducing the viewer to what will come on that given episode. You will find it most interesting.

For more news, be sure to go to https://www.communitynewspapers.com