During a recent conversation with a friend/colleague (whom is a lawyer amongst many other things and knows I am passionate about mental health and wellbeing), she told me about the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation (TJMP) and the TJMP Psychological Wellbeing: Best Practice Guidelines for the Legal Professional.
These guidelines have been developed through a sub-committee of the TJMP as a way to ‘Raise the Standard’ of psychological support within the Australian Legal Profession.
Why?
Because it has been recognised in the research that the legal profession is a stressful profession and are at risk of suffering from psychological distress and illness (see research link below).
The guidelines aim to promote psychologically healthy legal workplaces and assist legal organisations fulfil each of the Psychosocial Factors, which are critical to psychological health. The 13 Psychosocial Factors are –
- Organisational Culture
- Psychological and Social Support
- Clear Leadership and Expectations
- Civility and Respect
- Psychological Competencies and Requirements
- Growth and Development
- Recognition and Reward
- Good Involvement and Influence by Staff
- Workload Management
- Engagement
- Balance
- Psychological Protection
- Protection of Physical Safety.
You can read a more detailed outline of these Psychosocial Factors in the TJMP Psychological Wellbeing: Best Practice Guidelines for the Legal Profession document.
What Now?
To be honest – it’s up to you. If you work in the legal professional, maybe your organisation is interested in becoming a Signatory to the Guidelines. If so, click here. If you work with people within the legal profession (like I do), maybe you can start the conversation to see if people are aware of the guidelines and if so how are they being used in their workplaces. Then go from there.
Most importantly of all is to take care of your mental health and wellbeing and if you need extra support, please get it and don’t wait.
If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?
Reference –
Kelk, NJ, Luscombe, GM, Medlow, S, Hickie, IB (2009) Courting the blues: Attitudes towards depression in Australian law students and lawyers, BMRI Monograph 2009-1, Sydney: Brain & Mind Research Institute.
