When we consider our health, we often think about what we eat, how much alcohol we drink and how many steps we walk or run per day. We reason that if we find a happy balance of these each day, we can reduce our risk of illness. However, what about our psychological health? And what about the relationship between our psychological health and our physical health?
You're not the only one
Work can be overwhelming - clients, colleagues and managers have high expectations and we often hold ourselves to the highest standards. Nearly half of respondents from the Law Society's research into solicitor wellbeing indicated that their mental health has been impacted to a significant degree by stress in their working life. Stated impacts of workplace stress amongst respondents included insomnia, anxiety, physical problems, irritability, depression and self-doubt.
Accepting that we need to look after our psychological health is the first step in staying well. Recognising your own warning signs will allow you to manage your psychological wellbeing and develop your coping skills and resilience over time.
Steps to take
If you feel your stress levels increase, try these positive steps to calibrate your balance and restore your wellbeing.
1. Mental Health Awareness Videos: Access a selected playlist offering insight, useful wellbeing practices, and more.
2. Shrink Me Online - LegalEd Talks: Sign up for this series of free CPD talks from expert speakers on wellbeing. It covers a variety of topics, and gives members access to the Shrink Me Online Programme, designed by the Psychological Services Section of the Law Society Education Department. This course is available from the date of registration to 31 March, 2021. It is advisable to download content if you would like to view it after 31 March, 2021.
- For more information, and to access course content, visit LegalED Talk.
3. Wellness on the Go: Listen to this podcast series from the Psychological Society of Ireland on topics ranging from Coping with Lockdown to Mindfulness, Emotional Intelligence and Stress, and Social Media and Children.
4. Hear from other experts in these Gazette articles:
5. Law Society Library Wellbeing Resources: Explore current books on wellbeing and mental health. For example, read about Russell Brand’s journey through addiction or dig deep with Elizabeth Day’s book about learning from failure.