Starting Conversations - Talking about Mental Health

 Starting Conversations – Talking about Mental Health

 

We all have mental health, just like we have physical health. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and it also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. 

 

Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. Research shows that 1 in 4 of us will experience them each year, and the legal community is no exception. Many legal professionals are reluctant to talk about mental health in the workplace, for fear they may be perceived as weak or not coping.

 

Spotting the Signs

It’s not always easy to recognise the signs of poor mental health or stress. Stress is the most common cause of workplace distress: these are the signs to look out for:

  • Out-of-character behaviour such as irritability, mood swings, anger or short temper

  • Lack of energy, concentration and motivation

  • Frequent bouts of illness

  • Problems with sleeping

  • Panic attacks, which can include feeling sick, short of breath, shaking, sweating

  • Failure to achieve targets

  • Overconfidence despite making mistakes

  • Withdrawal from usual social interaction and hobbies

  • Deteriorating relationships with managers and/or colleagues

  • Neglect of personal dress and hygiene

  • Increasing use of alcohol/coming into the workplace smelling of alcohol

  • Overreacting when challenged

A combination of these behaviours could mean the person is experiencing mental health issues, and could signal that it’s time to think about seeking information, support and reassurance.

  

Talking about mental health at work can be difficult. People can find it helps to be open, and can feel relieved that things are not hidden any more, but they may also experience negative reactions. It’s important for people to remember they are not alone, and that many in work have mental health problems.

 

It’s a choice to talk about mental health with colleagues or employers, there are no set rules, but it may help to get the practical support needed to stay healthy at work.

 

The conversation could be started with a simple ‘How are you?’. Offering to make the person a cup of tea, inviting them somewhere private for a chat, or suggesting popping out to a nearby café or for a walk, can all get people talking. Setting aside enough time to talk and switching the phone off are also good things to do in this situation.

 

There are some useful tips on how to start that conversation from Mental Health First Aid England, an educational course which teaches how to identify, understand, and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue:

  • Keep the discussion positive and supportive – explore the issues and how to help

  • Be mindful of body language – make sure it’s open and non-confrontational

  • Be empathetic and take them seriously

  • Don’t be tempted to say things like ‘ pull yourself together’

  • Ask questions such as ‘How are you feeling at the moment?’, ‘How long have you been feeling like this?’, ‘Are there any work issues that are contributing?’, and ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

  • Listen carefully, don’t interrupt and try to be non-judgmental

  • Be reassuring and signpost them to support such as LawCare, HR, another colleague or suggest they visit their GP.

 

For any organisation looking to implement mental health and wellbeing programmes there is plenty of information and support available. The Law Society and the Bar Council are engaged with improving mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession, and the Bar Council has recently launched a dedicated website ‘Wellbeing at the Bar’. The site has plenty of useful resources, including how to implement a mental health and wellbeing policy.

 

Firms and chambers are also beginning to raise awareness of mental health issues, and the support available. Several Magic Circle firms participated in the ‘This is Me’ campaign launched by the Lord Mayor of London last year. The campaign is a platform for employees who have experienced mental health problems to share their stories with others. People’s attitudes, understanding and behaviour towards others with mental health problems are more likely to improve if they are given the opportunity to learn about mental health problems from someone who has experienced them.

 

Organisations are only as strong as their people, and a healthy and productive workforce where staff feel valued and supported, will be more committed to the organisation’s goals and perform better in their jobs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LawCare supports and promotes good mental health and wellbeing across the legal community. We understand life in the law, and have helped thousands of legal professionals cope with a range of issues. Our key support service is our free, confidential and independent helpline, and our trained staff and volunteers listen and support with any issues. Call 0800 279 6888 or visit www.lawcare.org.uk

Like   Back to Top   Seen 509 times   Liked 0 times
Subscribe to Updates And Join Over 1.2K Subscribers Today!

Subscribe to:
x

Subscribe to Updates

If you enjoyed this, why not subscribe to free email updates and join over 1275 subscribers today!

Subscribe to updates



Subscribe to:

Alternatively, you can subscribe via RSS RSS

‹ Return to

All email subscriptions must be confirmed to comply with GDPR.

I've already subscribed / don't show me this again