Many law graduates feel burned out. It's challenging finding motivation to clear one of the biggest hurdles between them and their careers—passing the bar exam.

During bar preparation this summer, law grads are isolated and their anxiety runs high, creating an experience that noticeably impacts their mental health, according to Chris Ritter, staff attorney with the Texas Lawyers' Assistance Program, which helps law students, lawyers and judges who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Texas Lawyer asked Ritter—who wrote a white paper of 10 tips to help law students find relief from stress, mental health and substance use issues—some questions about how law graduates, while studying for the bar, can take action to remain happy and healthy. Here are his answers, edited for style and length.