Legal Professionals work often with distressing cases and people or families going through the worst days of their lives. This can be incredibly challenging for legal professionals as they may struggle to switch off from such emotional work and situations.
It can lead to vicarious trauma; this ‘encompasses the wide range of potential negative effects of being immersed in trauma day-to-day at work.’ Professionals in the legal industry are naturally vulnerable to emotional and psychological impact due to constant exposure of trauma and distress.
UKIM Psychologist, Hayat Hussein, explains why support is necessary for legal professionals and she discusses the harsh impacts of vicarious trauma…
Symptoms and Emotional Consequences:
Vicarious trauma can manifest through various symptoms, including feeling "overwhelmed, exhausted, isolated," and experiencing "disillusionment, despair, and hopelessness." These symptoms reflect the heavy toll that sustained exposure to others' trauma can take on a helper's mental health.
Disconnection and Enmeshment:
Two patterns of burnout are identified: Disconnection (where the helper disconnects from themselves and others, leading to cynicism and a reduced capacity for empathy) and Enmeshment (where the helper becomes overly involved, crossing boundaries, and attempting to do more than is humanly possible). Both patterns lead to significant psychological strain.
Risk Factors:
Several risk factors exacerbate the likelihood of experiencing vicarious trauma, including "sustained bearing witness to the pain of clients," "overworking," and "not taking breaks." These factors underscore the importance of self-care and organisational support to mitigate the mental health impacts.
Self-Care and Recovery:
Effective self-care strategies are vital for mental health, including "asking for help when you need it" and "taking time for self-reflection," and "spending time with friends and family." Engaging in these practices can help reduce the risk of burnout and promote psychological well-being.
It’s evident that legal professionals need support as it’s increasingly common amongst this profession. Having the support, whether it be counselling, discussing wellbeing strategies, or even having access to a helpline 24/7, will enable those in a legal profession to excel in both their careers and personal lives.
Here at UKIM Occupational Health & Wellbeing, we understand how important it is for people to have and focus on positive mental wellbeing and so we’re committed to supporting professionals with our dedicated range of services.
