Celebrating International Mental Health Day: An Absolute Necessity, Not a Luxury

Today is World Mental Health Day. 

This year’s theme emphasises the urgent need for mental health support during humanitarian crises. Key areas of focus include: timely access to care, integration of mental health into disaster response, building a sustainable community support system and being empathic and focus more on the stigma attached to this matter.  

World Health Organization statistics estimate that 1 in 5 people in such situations experience a mental health condition.

Legal professionals are not immune to emotional strain. We owe it to ourselves to take care of our own health and mental wellbeing. We all deserve care, compassion, and community support. 

This is a shared responsibility within the legal community and NOT a silent struggle.

Below are a few reflections for the legal community….. 

• Legal professionals constantly operate under long hours, high stakes and long hours.
• This year’s theme gives a timely reminder that even in stable environments, the legal field can feel like a constant emergency.
• It is important to recognise the signs early and watch for example for signs of feelings of emotional exhaustion, withdrawal from colleagues or reduced performance, anxiety, irritability, or sleep disturbances, a feeling of hopelessness and burn out.
• Try to normalise conversations around mental health.
• Encourage regular peer check-ins and mentorship and consider providing training in emotional intelligence, stress management, promote work-life balance and flexible schedules.
• As a manager or leader, it is important to walk the talk and be aware of the “shadow of the leader” impact to the team.  
• Create safe spaces for reflection and recovery.
• Keep up the conversations on health and wellbeing in the legal community and support diversity, equity, and inclusion to reduce isolation.
   

Written By: Geeta Thakerar, Co convenor of SCCA Wellbeing Chapter