LawCare’s Elizabeth Rimmer offers advice on managing mental health challenges at work & how best to support colleagues who may be struggling
There are high levels of negative emotions within law: the work is often about winning or losing and can require legal professionals to be critical, judgemental, combative and aggressive. Lawyers are required to think pessimistically, looking for potential problems and worst-case scenarios. In addition, many lawyers are perfectionists who fear failure and dread
making mistakes.
making mistakes.
These traits can be exacerbated by a difficult working environment—common issues include lack of support or supervision, an overly critical manager, being undermined after a career break, an unreasonably heavy workload, long hours and sleep deprivation. Many areas of law can be emotionally difficult to deal with and some cases take a considerable toll on health and wellbeing.
If you are working with someone who appears to be struggling, whether they are a lawyer or support staff, consider asking your colleague in private what is wrong and how you might help. Talking to a colleague in this way can be difficult but you don’t need to be
