Mental Health and Wellbeing

Supporting mental health and wellbeing in the legal profession

If you are experiencing distress, immediate support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you need urgent medical assistance or are in immediate danger, please call 000

Lawcare - QLS Member Health and Wellbeing Support

LawCare is your partner in health and wellbeing when you need a helping hand, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. QLS members can use this service to access confidential support to help navigate issues in both their personal and professional lives.

The Queensland Law Society recognises that it is critically important to support mental health and wellbeing of the profession. The demands and pressures of the profession can at times have a detrimental impact on individual wellbeing.

The Resiliene@law toolkits (2016) and the 2006 Beaton Consulting / Beyond Blue survey of over 7,500 professionals which outlines:

  • 33% of lawyers suffer disability and distress due to depression; they do not seek help and self medicate with alcohol.
  • Alcohol abuse in legal profession is extremely concerning
  • 80% of disciplinary matters involving lawyers have an underlying mental health issue 

The QLS mental health and wellbeing page is intended to provide information and resources designed specifically for legal professionals. It  outlines some support services and initiatives available to members as well as national programs.

Helpful resources

Organisation
AboutPhone number

13YARN

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line for people feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.

13 92 76

1800RESPECT

National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.

1800 737 732

13HEALTH

Queensland Government confidential phone service that provides health advice.  Talk to a registered nurse 24/7. Provide assessment, advice and referral to other providers

In emergency call 000

13 43 25 84

Beyond Blue Support Service

 

Supporting people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide

1300 224 636

 

Black Dog institute

 

Medical research institute with resources to support

 

Family Drug Support

Help for individuals and families dealing with drug and alcohol use. Also provide support groups, education programs, counselling and bereavement services for families.

1300 368 186

Head to Health

 

This is managed by the Australian Department of Health with input from people with lived experience f mental health issues and mental health organisations.  Has links to apps, online programs, forums, chats.

 

Kids Help Line

 

Telephone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

1800 55 1800

 

LawCare (Converge International)

 

An EAP service for QLS members who can use this service to access confidential support to help navigate issues in both their personal and professional lives. For family of members also.

1300 687 327

 

Mensline Australia

Telephone and online support, information and referral service for men with concerns about family and relationships, mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), substance abuse and wellbeing. The service is available from anywhere in Australia and is staffed by professional counsellors, experienced in men's issues.

1300 78 99 78

 

Mental Health Crisis

MH CALL Triage Service 24/7 (QLD)

 

This is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services to Queenslanders.

1300 642 255

 

Mindspot

 

We support Australian adults experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and chronic pain. All of our services are free, confidential, and online, and provide optional access to qualified therapists

1800 614 434

MoodGYM

 

Cognitive behaviour website that teaches people to use ways of thinking the will help prevent and reduce depression.

 

myCompass

 

This is an internet and mobile phone self help program provided by the Black Dog Institute.  It is designed for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression.

 

National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline

Hotline for anyone affected by alcohol or other drugs. Support includes counselling, advice and referral to local services.

1800 250 015

PANDA

 

Supports women, men and families across Australia affected by anxiety and depression during pregnancy and in the first year of parenthood 

1300 726 306

 

ReachOut

Online mental health service for under-25s and their parents.

 

Suicide Call Back Service

 

Phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.  Provides immediate telephone counselling and support in a crisis.

1300 659 467