Legal community must do more to combat mental health stigma

Lawyers suffering from mental health issues must not be afraid of appearing 'weak' in front of colleagues by asking for help, says the profession's charity, LawCare.

Elizabeth Rimmer, chief executive of LawCare, told SJ: 'Some lawyers can struggle to balance the demands of their legal career and find it tough to admit that they are not coping with their personal or professional lives, for fear of being perceived as weak by colleagues or not up to the job. Lawyers are used to solving other people's problems and can find it hard to face their own.'

A survey conducted by the charity last year found that 74 per cent of 1,147 lawyers were more stressed at work than they were five years ago. However, only 17 per cent admitted to taking time off work to deal with stress.

When asked why, 65 per cent of respondents said they would be concerned about reporting feeling stressed or anxious to their employer.

'At LawCare we have helped thousands of lawyers with issues such as stress, depression, and alcohol addiction, and reassured them that they are not alone, as many legal professionals experience personal and professional problems that can impact their mental health,' said Rimmer.

'We need to work together within the legal community to challenge the stigma that surrounds mental health so that no one feels unable to speak with colleagues if they are troubled,' she added.

Rimmer's call to action comes following the tragic deaths of two members of the legal profession.

In August, an inquest heard how London-based lawyer Sarah Johnson who jumped to her death in front of a tube train in April was racked by guilt that she 'hadn't been a good enough mother'.

The 36-year-old had twice been admitted to the Priory for treatment and was said to be using alcohol to 'numb her feelings' about personal problems, the court heard.

An inquest heard Johnson's suicide note spoke of 'her wonderful husband and her three beautiful children who she adored'. However, she felt her 'respect, self-esteem, and dignity all gone now'.

Concluding Johnson had committed suicide, Westminster coroner Dr Shirley Radcliffe said: 'She suffered from guilt. She felt she hadn't been a good enough mother and I think that guilt was considerable for her.'

Meanwhile, a former medical negligence solicitor, whose life had been in 'turmoil', was recently found dead in a river after going for a job interview.

The body of 54-year-old Christopher Parry of Solihull was discovered in the river Severn near Worcester two months after being reported missing. Parry had previously worked for Shakespeares Solicitors, now Shakespeares Martineau following a merger, of Birmingham.

Speaking at the inquest into his death, Birmingham deputy coroner Emma Brown said: 'The evidence is that Mr Parry had been suffering from severe and at times troubling mental health problems.

'His marriage and a subsequent relationship had both broken down and he had returned to live with his son. He was out of work and had significant debts. He was a proud man and had previously had a successful period as a solicitor.'

Brown said matters came to a head in December 2014 when he went to see his GP and started to receive treatment.

'Mr Parry's work, family, and financial situations were in significant turmoil,' said Brown. 'He had attempted suicide in the past and admitted considering drowning as a means of suicide. He had recently disengaged from the mental health services.'

However, the deputy coroner recorded an open verdict saying she had taken into account that Parry had been 'fearful' of water and that on the day of his disappearance he had appeared to be in 'good spirits'.

Parry's son, Stuart, said his father had worked for Shakespeares Solicitors in Birmingham and had been going through a turbulent period, during which there were times when he had low self-esteem.

He said Parry was being supported by his family and had credit cards debts of between £40,000 and £50,000. He added that his father, who had been a solicitor for 30 years, had a job interview in Worcester and that he had dropped him off at Shirley railway station near Solihull. Concern was raised when Parry failed to return and the police were contacted.

Detective inspector Darren Lee said investigations revealed Parry had attended the interview with the firm where he appeared 'well-adjusted and confident'.

Anyone who is worried about themselves or a colleague can call LawCare in complete confidence for support on 0800 279688 or visit www.lawcare.org.uk

Alternatively, you can confidentially contact the Samaritans on 08457 909090, visit a local Samaritans branch, or go to www.samaritans.org

Peter Swingler is a freelance journalist. Additional reporting by SJ's deputy editor John van der Luit-Drummond