Judi Rhule examines the effects of stress on the legal profession
What is stress?
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them.
Some stress can be positive and can generate the feeling of excitement and can create an adrenaline rush. However, acute, or chronic stress can take a heavy toll on mood and mental wellbeing and can feel inescapable.
Stress is not a diagnosed illness. However, where pressures are excessive, sustained, or intense, this can lead to long-term mental and physical ill health.
Stress can cause other conditions which are medically recognised (both physical and mental), such as high blood pressure and depression.
The co...
“Stress is often described as a symptom of circumstances, and not a disability. However, it may result in, or be a trigger for, other underlying illnesses.”
