“I’m embarrassed. What would others think of me?”
There have been at least two tragic cases recently of deaths that appear to have been attributed to workplace cultures and practices. In one, the coroner as much as implied the terrible loss was down to an unacceptable expectation around working hours. LawCare is a mental health charity for people working in the legal sector. We asked chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer to tell us about its work.
“I’m embarrassed. What would others think of me?”
There have been at least two tragic cases recently of deaths that appear to have been attributed to workplace cultures and practices. In one, the coroner as much as implied the terrible loss was down to an unacceptable expectation around working hours. LawCare is a mental health charity for people working in the legal sector. We asked chief executive Elizabeth Rimmer to tell us about its work.
At LawCare, we understand reaching out for support can be very difficult when you are having a hard time. However, it's much better to start a conversation early on rather than waiting; many people who contacted us for support say they wish they had reached out sooner.
In this article, I've tried to address some common concerns people have about speaking to us and to put your mind at ease. If you need to talk, please do contact us. You might be surprised at the positive impact just talking to someone about what's going on can have.
My employer, regulator or professional body will find out
You don’t need to worry; our service is confidential. We won’t ask for your roll number or details of your workplace, and you don’t have to give your name. You choose how much information you want to share. We are independent of professional bodies and regulators, and nothing beyond statistics is reported to them.
The person on the helpline might know me or recognise my voice
Our volunteers and staff are based all over the UK, so this situation is very unlikely. If, however, it were to happen, you can continue with your call safe in the knowledge that anything you say will be treated with confidence. If you prefer you could leave your details, and another member of the team can call you back or you can contact us through our email or online chat service.
LawCare won’t be able to talk to me because I’m not a solicitor
We are here to support everyone in the legal sector, from students to people nearing retirement, including solicitors, barristers, advocates, judges, trainees, paralegals and, of course, marketing and BD professionals.
My problems aren’t bad enough; I know other people have it much harder
Your feelings are valid. We’re here to listen and offer emotional support, providing a safe confidential space for you to talk through whatever is on your mind. It’s better to contact us when an issue is just starting and to seek support before matters escalate.
I don’t have a mental illness
There is no minimum threshold for contacting us. We understand everyone has physical and mental health, and we firmly believe both need to be looked after. We want you to know that whether you’re having a bad day and just don’t feel yourself or if your issue is longer lasting, we’re here for you.
No one will understand what I’m going through
All our volunteers and staff have worked in the law and understand the pressures those working in the profession may experience. Our peer supporters have legal practice experience and may have been through difficult times themselves. They can offer ongoing one-to-one support, friendship and mentoring.
“We understand reaching out for support can be very difficult when you’re having a hard time. However, it's much better to start a conversation early on rather than waiting; many people who contacted us for support say they wish they had reached out sooner. You might be surprised at the positive impact just talking to someone about what's going on can have.”
Talking about it won’t help
People often tell us they feel better after just one chat with us. Sometimes reaching out and getting a chance to offload to someone who can empathise with what you’re going through can be useful to help get you back on track. Our support staff and volunteers are all trained. They will listen and can help you break down your issues and talk through whatever you want to address, taking it one step at a time.
I’m embarrassed. What would others think of me?
We encourage you to practice self-compassion. We suggest thinking about how you would advise friends, family or colleagues if they came to you with a similar problem. Would you judge them? The answer is usually that you would offer support and wouldn’t judge.
I’m so overwhelmed, I might get upset
Please don’t worry, this isn’t uncommon, and no one will judge. If you need to take a moment to compose yourself our team will give you that time, there is no rush and there will be no time limit. If you think writing down your feelings would be helpful, you may prefer to contact us through our support email or online chat.
It takes courage to reach out, seek support and share what you’re going through. If you feel ready, please contact our helpline on 0800 279 6888, email support@lawcare.org.uk or use our live online chat at www.lawcare.org.uk. Our website also offers extensive resources on mental health. We’re here to listen and provide the support you need to thrive, both professionally and personally.