Mental health and wellbeing

Working as a solicitor in the Northern Territory offers many rewards but can also be very challenging. Solicitors and law students are three times more likely to suffer from stress and depression however, stress and depression are NOT a sign of weakness.  They are, genuine illness' that result from being burdened with too many challenges, yet still remain the 'elephant in the room'.  The Law Society aims to alleviate these challenges, particularly in the areas of mental health and wellbeing by opening up the conversation and providing a range of useful tools.

The following resources can help solicitors easily find the information they need to build resilliance to, or to overcome personal difficulties.

Support for solicitors

A professional, confidential and free counselling service for our members and their immediate family, provided through Employee Assistance Service Australia (EASA).

If you are experiencing workplace, personal or emotional issues which are affecting your work or personal life, please call LawCare via the Employee Assistance Program on 1800 193 123 to make an appointment.

When booking an appointment, please tell the operator you are a Law Society member, and take your membership card to your appointment.

This service is completely confidential. The Law Society will only receive general statistics on the number of practitioners accessing the service.

Employee Assistance Program flyer

About Employee Assistance Service Australia (EASA)

The Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation is an independent organisation that aims to decrease distress, disability and the causes of depression and anxiety in the legal profession.  Marie Jepson was the keynote speaker at the Law Society's 2011 Mental Health Week Breakfast.

Resilliance@Law

Resilliance@Law is a collaboration between five major national law firms; Allens Arthur Robinson, Blake Dawson, Clayton Utz, Freehills and Mallesons and The College of Law to take a leadership role in raising awareness and understanding of the nature and impact of stress, depression and anxiety across the legal profession.

Mental health organisations

beyondblue is the national depression initiative, providing comprehensive online information on the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety and how to help someone. You can also ring their information line on 1300 22 4636 for the cost of a local call.

The Black Dog Institute is a not-for-profit, educational, research, clinical and community-oriented facility offering specialist expertise in depression and bipolar disorder. Their website features a host of resources and links, up-to-date research and information on community programs and getting help.

Headspace is the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, helping young people aged 12 to 25

Lifeline connects people with care by providing services in Suicide Prevention, Crisis Support and Mental Health Support.

MensLine Australia is a unique telephone and online support, information and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems in a practical and effective way.

Reach Out is a web-based service that inspires young people to help themselves through tough times, and find ways to boost their own mental health and wellbeing.

SANE promotes understanding of mental illness through an award-winning range of education products and services for those affected, their family and friends, health professionals and the general community: