How A Latina Criminal Defense Attorney Manages Her Mental Health During Trying Times

Many of us enjoy true crime shows, but they can be mentally overwhelming and even cause anxiety. But for Fatima Silva, a Latina criminal defense attorney, true crime is part of her daily life. She handles tough cases like rape and murder while managing her mental health, motherhood, marriage, and personal life.

As the baby girl in a Latinx family full of boys, Fatima was always outspoken and often defended others who were afraid to stand up for themselves in her hometown of Union City, Calif.

Then, in 1994, Fatima’s life changed dramatically when her 15-year-old brother was hit and killed by a speeding train while walking to school in Dakota, Calif.

Witnessing her parents struggle with the justice system fueled her desire to help people of color fight for justice.

In 2008, Fatima graduated from law school and dedicated her life to a successful legal career. Then, in 2017, she began co-hosting the true crime show “Reasonable Doubt.” Five years later, around the same time Fatima lost another brother, the show was canceled. 

She became overwhelmed by grief and depression, and it wasn’t until seeing a psychologist that she realized she needed a mental break. 

Fatima knows all too well that when people reach their breaking point, dangerous things can happen; she’s seen it in her work. She’s a firm believer that everything someone has worked so hard for can be at risk if they don’t stop and say, “I need to take a mental pause right now.”

After taking some time for herself, Fatima and her husband welcomed their second child, bringing new joy and perspective to her life. 

She also seized the opportunity to develop a new routine centered on mindfulness and presence. 

Now, Fatima shares what helped her hit the reset button and find a better work-life balance.

Here’s what she had to say:

Healthy Vibras: What steps do you take to check out of your role as a criminal defense attorney without guilt?

Fatima: I put my phone down. It sucks because it’s a way I connect with my friends and family, too, but if I’m away from my phone, then I’m present.

When I was a younger lawyer, I felt very committed to, you know, this is what I got to live, breathe, eat, and sleep, but when you become a mom and a wife, or partner, you have to put family first. 

They have to come before your career, and it’s easier said than done, but you realize that boundaries are the best thing for your family. And not being afraid to set those boundaries.

Yes, my job is intense, but when there’s something I can do, I will do it. But if not, then their urgency cannot necessarily be my urgency. You need to make it clear, and people respect that.

I’m so grateful to work with people who all have families and children, and who understand that family time is valuable.

You cannot be everything to everyone at the same time.

Healthy Vibras: What advice would you offer Latinx individuals who are pursuing a career in law?

Fatima: Make sure your heart is really in wanting to help people. And you’re doing it for nobody but you.

I’ve seen many colleagues throughout the years stop practicing law because they’re burned out or they didn’t truly love it.

So, for people of color who invest that much time and money, make sure it’s for you. 

Don’t do it because it’s something your family expects, or it’s prestigious, or you think it’s successful, because you’re going to define success, not your job.

Healthy Vibras: What do you wish more people understood about the work you do?

Fatima: It’s not like the movies, it’s not glamorous. It takes grit, resilience, and a willingness to set aside your ego.

Also, the wheels of justice move slowly, and patience is required.

If you are going through the justice system, get somebody that you trust to fight for you. Don’t be afraid to fire someone if they’re not working hard for you. You should feel seen, heard, and understood. Everybody deserves that.

Even if you have a public defender and are not satisfied with them, you can always request another one. This is your life, and you do have those rights.

Healthy Vibras: Lastly, what does it mean to be a Latina fighting for justice in today’s world?

Fatima: I feel like a badass. Haha.

To be a Latina in law is to help others and give a voice to, especially people of color, ensuring they feel represented.

It feels like a calling for me, and it’s what I always wanted.

My family and the environment in which I was raised were all about giving back to the community and serving others, service to your familia, service to the people.

If you have access to resources, you share them. If you have accomplished something, you mentor others.

The number one thing I tell all young people is to serve others, especially nowadays, because we have higher rates of depression, isolation, anxiety, and kids on medication. And it’s not just kids; adults, too, are experiencing it, because life is moving too fast. 

Even though we’re connected, it’s mainly on devices; it’s not a real connection.

And studies have shown that when you feel depressed, isolated, anxious, lost, and alone, when you serve others, you feel 1000 times better.

When you’re serving others, you may realize that your problems aren’t that big; there are other people out there who also have problems, and you have a purpose.

You’ve helped somebody, even just one person, that day, by volunteering your time. No matter what it is in your community, whether it’s with the elderly, young people, or the environment, whatever it may be, just serving in your community and doing volunteer work will always make you feel better.

If we all focus more on giving back to our community, we may all be more mentally well, as well as helping others be mentally well. 

Here are five practices Fatima adopted to nurture her mental health:

1. Vocalize your concerns to loved ones so they hold you accountable.
2. Pause social media on your phone so you don’t fill those gaps with mindless scrolling.
3. Practice yoga for its physical benefits and the stillness it brings.
4. Incorporate meditation and/or prayer into your life, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Ask for peace in all aspects of your life, especially at work.
5. And, lastly, play with your kids, pets if you’re a pet parent. As a mom to a six-year-old and a one-year-old, Fatima can’t always make it to yoga, so she’ll throw on “The Wheels On The Bus” and go at it, dancing in the living room. She says, you’ll find that being present with your kids can bring you some peace and lighten your mood.