Lawcovernotes December 2016

Professional help in times of stress 12. “I amsure you appreciate howmuch these claims affect people such asme. It really has put a giant emotional strain onme and in some ways has affected how I feel nowabout the value of my working life. It has certainly left me feeling less about myself and I am suremany who face similar claimsmust feel the same.” The above comment is one of many by insured solicitors to Lawcover following resolution of a claim. While we take care of the financial side of claims, the personal, professional and emotional costs may often be overlooked and always underestimated by the solicitor. Our experienced claims solicitors take over the running of the claim and give you support on the legal aspects, but if you have a claim, you may also need other professional help. If you, or those close to you, see that you are not your usual self, we urge you to speak with your GP or someone else with whom you have a personal relationship and to whom you can talk in confidence. We also commend Lawcover’s Risk Management Education Program, particularly Workshop 4 entitled “All about the business”. The workshop session “Stress, you and your practice” is designed assist practitioners better understand how to self-assess for stress. It also gives an insight into the triggers of negative stress (distress); the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of prolonged distress; and how such stress may affect you and your colleagues and staff. The publication “The Resilient Lawyer” by Robyn Bradey, Mental Health Consultant, is a useful guide in understanding stress and the reaction to it in legal practice. The Law Society of New South Wales offers a number of support services to its members which you can access via the following link: www. lawsociety.com.au/ForSolictors/ professionalsupport/supportingyou/ mentalhealthwellbeing/index.htm. ^ ^ We summarise these services below and urge you to keep the information handy – if not for yourself, for a friend or colleague. The LawSociety has engaged Lifeline to provide members with a free support service for both personal and work related issues. Lifeline for Lawyers offers a confidential 24-hour telephone crisis support service for members experiencing emotional and psychological distress. You can access Lifeline for Lawyers by calling 1800 085 062 or go to www.lifeline.org.au/get- help/online-services/crisis-chat any day between 7.00pm and 4.00am.