High numbers of solicitors are seeking help with depression and alcohol addiction problems, according to the latest figures from charity LawCare.
The charity’s 2010 annual report, to be published later this year, shows that stress is still by far the biggest problem faced by callers to the helpline, accounting for almost three-quarters of the 517 case files opened in 2010.
The most common causes of the reported stress were disciplinary proceedings, financial problems, bullying and redundancy.
The number of callers with clinical depression rose 3% as a percentage of all calls compared with 2009, comprising 12% of all calls, while enquiries relating to alcohol problems made up 7%, slightly more than in 2009.
There were three cases relating to illegal drugs.
LawCare chief executive Hilary Tilby said: ‘Many lawyers are afraid to acknowledge stress because of the impact it could have on their career path towards partnership or the judiciary.
‘But they should seek help, for their own health and the sake of their families.’
Source: Law Society Gazette
