Looking for help

wellbeing

It has been recognised both nationally and internationally that stress and other mental health issues are acutely present in the legal profession. Solicitors can face tough and challenging situations on a daily basis. 

What is too much stress?

While it is expected that we all experience some stress in our lives, everyone’s threshold for what amounts to too much stress is different. This is why it is important that you do not compare yourself to others. If you are finding it hard to cope and are worried about yourself due to low energy, tiredness, excessive eating/drinking, irritability, social withdrawal or disturbing thoughts; it is a good idea to talk to someone about it. Being proactive as soon as you suspect something will help you feel more in control of your situation.

As a first step, you can call LegalMind’s freephone number (1800 81 41 77) to speak to an accredited, qualified and experienced counsellor or psychotherapist at any time of the day or night. You can also find other independent supports by clicking on one of the websites listed below. Over time we will refresh and expand information signposted here to make sure that you have the most relevant and up to date supports on one page.

Mental health support for the legal community

LegalMind - A confidential, independent, low-cost mental health support launched in April 2020 for solicitors and their dependants. Speak to a mental health professional for in-the-moment support and to work out a plan that feels right for you.

Peer support in the legal community

  •  - Free, confidential service for solicitors operating on a nationwide basis

Support for solicitors in difficulty with the Law Society

Support on matters of conduct

Emergency support

For emergency access to mental health care, contact an out-of-hours GP or attend an Accident and Emergency Department. This option is best considered in an acute psychiatric emergency and allows assessment as to whether hospitalisation may or may not be needed at that point in time.

Find a therapist

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Support for different mental ill-health issues

  •  - Support for individuals with a diagnosis of depression or bipolar as well as family members
  •  - Support groups and education for the public in the area of mental health and recovery principles
  •  - Online support including self-help, support groups and professional support
  • - independent, not-for-profit mental health services
  •  - Support, information and education such as counselling, support groups, family initiatives and email support
  •  - Support for those with eating disorders
  •  - Support for those with social anxiety

Support for self-harm and or suicidality issues

  •  - Free therapeutic support and Free 24/7 helpline (one to one)
  •  - Free 24/7 helpline (one to one)
  •  - National Office for Suicide Prevention

Support for bullying in the workplace

  • Law Society â€“ Employment Law and Legal Guides
  •  - Dealing with bullying at work
  •  -  A university designated research centre located in DCU Institute of Education
  •  â€“ What can you do if you are being bullied at work?  
  •  â€“ Bullying in the legal workplace  
  •  â€“ Us too? Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession
  •  - Training on Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Legal Profession
  •  - Bystander Action Fact Sheet
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Support for addiction issues

  •  - Help with alcoholism
  •  - Drugs and Alcohol helpline
  •  - Addiction recovery
  •  -  Addiction and Dual Diagnosis
  •  - Addiction Treatment Services and Residential Rehabilitation
  •  - Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation
  •  - Support for families and friends of problem drinkers. Free helpline.

Self-care support and trauma healing

  •  - UCC Self-Care tool
  •  - Trauma and the Nervous System – A Polyvagal Perspective
  • Stress test: Dealing with complex family-law situations
  • Silent Witness: Secondary Traumatic Stress

Find financial support

Find support as a young member of the Law Society

The Society’s Younger Members Committee promotes the interests of members up to 7 years qualified. The Committee periodically holds seminars and events to support younger members. Contact can be made with the Committee through its Secretary Michelle Nolan.

Links to other websites

The material contained on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute care, treatment or other professional advice. Links to other websites do not constitute an endorsement of that website by the Law Society of Ireland and the Society is not responsible for the contents of any websites referred to from this website.

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