Speak up about stress

In 2012 LawCare conducted a survey of 1,000 lawyers on their levels of stress. The findings showed that over 50 per cent of those questioned felt stressed and 19 per cent were suffering with clinical depression.

In 2013 the Law Society interviewed 2,226 solicitors in relation to stress at work. Of those interviewed, 95 per cent said they were stressed, with 16 per cent saying their stress was ‘extreme’ or ‘severe’. In 2014, 36 per cent of UK callers seeking advice from LawCare about stress-related issues were below five years qualified (7 per cent of these being trainees in England and Wales).

It is clear from these statistics that stress at work is a big problem for the legal profession. And, of course, these statistics only show the tip of the iceberg, with many avoiding help and fearing it is a sign of weakness. But the taboo surrounding mental health issues is decreasing every day, and with Mental Health Awareness Week beginning on 11 May 2015, it is time to start taking control and managing daily stress.

Of those interviewed by LawCare in 2012, 65 per cent said they would be concerned about reporting their stress to their employer. However, many employers are now beginning to recognise stress as a problem for their employees and offer training and resources to assist them.

Top tips

On top of personal reasons, there are also solid business reasons for them to take mental health seriously (for example, to ensure maximum productivity from staff).

However, if you feel that your employer really cannot help, then consider some of the following tips:

• Think about work management. Consider who you can delegate work to so as to reduce your own workload. If you cannot delegate, consider categorising your work into ‘urgent’ and ‘non urgent’. Create a diary which allows you to see which work to prioritise.
• Talk to a friend or family member about how you are feeling.
• Consider enrolling in stress management training, which in the right circumstances will provide you with biologically proven tips and techniques to help reduce or manage your stress levels.
• If you feel like stress is affecting your general health, then consider speaking to a medical expert.

In a time of ever-increasing change to the profession we can often feel lucky to have a job and, as a result, we may feel unable to speak up if there is a problem. It is important to remember that there will be other people who are or have felt the same as you, from trainees to junior solicitors and up to partner level.

The Junior Lawyers Division (JLD) strongly believes in eliminating the stigma attached to stress and, in order to work towards doing so, is arranging a number of events in relation to stress management.

Finally, do not forget the importance of organisations such as LawCare in helping you to face your problems. They provide a free and confidential helpline for legal professionals who may be facing personal or professional difficulties.

Speak up. You might just find your voice being echoed.

If you are struggling to cope with stress, depression, or addiction, call LawCare’s free and confidential helpline on 0808 800 0023 (open 9am-7.30pm during the week and 10am-4pm on weekends and bank holidays) or visit www.lawcare.org.uk

Get involved in Mental Health Awareness Week by calling 020 7803 1110 or emailing the press office at press@mhf.org.uk. SJ

Brogan Solomon is a member of the Junior Lawyers Division Executive Committee and a trainee solicitor at Prettys

@juniorlawyers