Time to talk

Whilst it is common for those working in the legal sector to experience anxiety, many keep it hidden. LawCare’s Elizabeth Rimmer explains why talking about anxiety matters and how to support colleagues who might be struggling

Talking openly and honestly about mental health at work can make a real difference. It helps reduce stigma, eases isolation and makes it easier for people to ask for support when they need it. This is particularly important in the legal sector, where experiencing anxiety is relatively common but often well hidden.

If you are feeling anxious or on edge, you are not alone. LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 report found that half of respondents said they had felt anxious often, very often or all of the time in the past year. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people contact us for support and last year 34% of people who got in touch said anxiety was a key concern.

We regularly hear from people who feel overwhelmed or unable to switch off from work. As one professional told us: “I was becoming more and more anxious about the prospect of court and started to have physical symptoms. I had a constant knot in my stomach, which grew over the weekend knowing I had to face work again on Monday.”

Heavy workloads, tight deadlines and responsibility for clients all add pressure. A culture that values perfection and pushing on, even when things feel hard, can make anxiety worse. Ongoing change and uncertainty in the profession can also leave people feeling unsettled.

What anxiety can look and feel like

Anxiety affects people in different ways and is not always easy to spot. Some people feel constantly worried or have racing thoughts. Others notice physical symptoms like headaches, tiredness, a tight chest or trouble sleeping. It can become harder to focus, irritability may increase and relaxing outside work can feel difficult.

People may keep going, work even longer hours or be very hard on themselves. Knowing what anxiety looks and feels like, however, can help us recognise it earlier, both in ourselves and our colleagues.

Why talking about anxiety matters

Even though anxiety is very common, many people still find it hard to discuss it. Stigma, fear of being judged or worries about how it might affect their career can stop people from speaking up.

“Sharing how you feel can make you feel less alone, help you see things more clearly and make it easier to get support”

Talking openly can help. Sharing how you feel can make you feel less alone, help you see things more clearly and make it easier to get support.

Listening to someone else without judging them can also make a big difference. You don’t need to fix things or have the right words. Being kind and listening is often enough.

How to start a conversation

Conversations about mental health don’t need to be perfect or planned. Choose a time and place where the person feels comfortable; this might be a quiet call, a walk or a coffee. Often, a simple “How are you?” is enough to open the door.

Give the person your full attention, avoid interrupting and use open questions like, “What would help right now?”. Respond with empathy rather than advice and avoid clichés or turning the conversation back to yourself.

If it feels appropriate, gently signpost them to further support, such as LawCare, human resources, a trusted colleague or their GP. Sometimes, knowing support is there is what matters most.

Practical ways to cope and support one another

There is no single way to manage anxiety but many things can help. For some people, simply talking about how they feel can bring relief. Others find it helpful to speak to someone they trust, such as a colleague, manager, friend or family member. Setting limits where possible, taking regular breaks and finding ways to switch off outside work can also make a difference.

Managers and leaders play an important role. Creating a workplace where people feel safe to talk about their mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier support. This might include regular check-ins, being open about your own wellbeing and responding with kindness when someone shares how they are feeling.

If anxiety is affecting your everyday life, you do not have to cope on your own and it may be time to seek professional help. You can talk to your GP or see if your workplace offers support. You can also get in touch with LawCare for free, confidential support.

Elizabeth Rimmer is chief executive of LawCare

LawCare’s helpline is available to anyone in the legal sector by phone, email and online chat:

You can also find more information and support on the LawCare website, including resources about anxiety.

 

 

 

 

 

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