5 minute read
Silencing Stigma and Sustaining Self-Care
In this article Nuala McMahon highlights some further Society initiatives around Wellbeing aimed at supporting solicitors.
When you hear the word ‘Wellbeing’, many often think about physical health including eating healthily or exercising. The reality is that Wellbeing encompasses various aspects of life, including developing a positive mindset, seeking personal fulfilment, cultivating a life of balance, adopting methods to manage stress and understanding when to seek help.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, among the many demands of careers, family life, relationships and personal aspirations, one fundamental aspect often takes a backseat, and this is Wellbeing. This can have a snowballing effect, leading to high rates of stress, a risk of burnout, or struggles with mental health. The recent initiatives adopted by the Law Society aim to ensure that Wellbeing takes a front-seat for all to foster a culture of Wellbeing within the profession.
Supporting Solicitors
Solicitors guide clients through many of life’s key moments such as buying a home, making a will, dealing with the future of children in a relationship breakdown, or setting up a business. While some of these are rewarding, joyous occasions, solicitors are often exposed to sad, tragic events and experiences in an individual’s life. It is in these times of crisis that a solicitor often acts as the ‘first responder’ in offering solutions and becoming an anchor for clients. This can be more acute in certain areas of practice such as criminal, immigration, family, or personal injury, to name but a few, and can result in the solicitor acquiring secondary trauma.
A series of Wellbeing related initiatives undertaken by the Society in April 2024, aimed to provide practical and accessible information from a range of leading organisations offering guidance and support on mental health issues. These included an updated Wellbeing Toolkit - an interactive digital support document which includes information on a range of topics such as different types of mental health conditions, typical issues and factors impacting on mental health, as well as signposting members to relevant organisations who can provide professional help and support.
It is intended that the revised Toolkit complements the services offered by LawCare, the mental health charity for the legal sector, with whom the Society continues to work closely. However, it should be stressed that LawCare operates totally independently from the Society and members are encouraged to avail of their services when required, further details of which can be accessed here
As part of the recent initiatives, members can also access a short video from the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) on employer responsibilities around mental wellbeing in the workplace, which covers topics such as barriers to good mental health at work, practical steps that employers can take and how the ECNI can help.
The Society has also worked in conjunction with Kingsbridge Membership Club to organise a free Practical Health Guidance CPD Seminar. This was delivered by Dr Garry Adair-Gilliland, Lead GP at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast and covered general health issues including the menopause, HRT, and prostate health advice. Further such events are being considered.
Silencing Stigma
It is unfortunate that many common misconceptions and myths remain around mental health, ranging from the view that seeking help is a “sign of weakness” or the fear that you may be treated differently by colleagues or clients. These can deter individuals from seeking the support and help they need. It is hoped that the publication of the Toolkit, the display of Wellbeing posters in Law Society House and across courthouses in Northern Ireland and the other initiatives will play a role in breaking down the stigma that still exists around seeking support.
When talking about Wellbeing becomes normal, rather than a crisis conversation, this will help to reduce the feeling of vulnerability amongst those experiencing any challenges. The more Wellbeing becomes a conscious element of personal and business management, the less stigma will exist around speaking out and seeking help, and this will help create a healthier, more resilient legal profession.
Sustaining Self-Care
As the world in which we work and live becomes increasingly interconnected, and fastpaced, the importance of nurturing our mental, emotional and physical health has never been more crucial. The highly pressurised, sometimes distressing and emotionally taxing situations in which solicitors work add to the already demanding role of being a solicitor. The role is undoubtedly fused with pressure to perform, meet deadlines, manage large caseloads and the need to attract business to firms. Balancing all these demands and pressures can take a toll on Wellbeing if not managed effectively.
The ‘Ways of Helping’ section in the Toolkit provides a range of useful tips and ideas on how to sustain self-care. Sustaining self-care is a positive duty we owe ourselves and this should be promoted within firms and among colleagues. Ignoring or overlooking early warning signs can have negative consequences and result in a snowballing effect.
In conclusion, the Society’s recent initiatives on Wellbeing are driven by a recognition of the pressing need to support solicitors to address challenges and pressures they are faced with. Maintaining Wellbeing is paramount so that all within the profession can thrive personally and professionally, resulting in benefits for all.
