Calls to mental health line up

Lawyers are calling the helpline of mental health charity LawCare in higher numbers, according to its latest figures.

The charity dealt with nearly 900 calls in 2017 from 616 callers, up 11% on the previous year. The majority were women (65%) and 45% were trainees or those who had been qualified five years or less.

Workplace stress and depression were the most common problems, while other issues included disciplinary concerns, anxiety, bereavement, financial problems and bullying and harassment (4%).

LawCare Chief Executive, Elizabeth Rimmer said the figures showed that ‘more lawyers are willing to come forward and ask for help’, and encouraged anyone suffering not to stay silent, but to seek help.