Australian law firms have come a long way with dealing with depression and anxiety in the workplace, but more is needed according to new research by Beaton Research & Consulting and Beyondblue.
Lawyers are among the most depressed professionals according to Beyondblue; one-third of Australia’s solicitors and one in five barristers suffer from depression and anxiety.
“The results of the survey show that the legal profession is heading in the right direction on this important issue,” said Caroline Counsel, president of the Law Institute of Victoria (LIV), which supports Beacon Research & Consulting. “However, there is still a long way to go. The study also tells us that barriers still exist when it comes to proactive behavior and helping a work colleague get help.”
The 2011 Annual Business and Professions Study examined awareness levels and attitudes regarding depression and anxiety disorders among 18,000 professionals in Australia. In a positive sign for the industry, the study found lawyers reported the highest level of mental health workplace training amongst Australian professionals. More importantly, lawyers were less likely to hold stigmatising views about depression in the workplace now than they were in 2007.
The cost of mental health to society is enormous says Counsel. Every year, three million Australians experience depression and anxiety, resulting in more than six million working days lost. An employee with untreated depression could costs their employer almost $10,000 a year in lost productivity and absenteeism. “As a profession and a society we need to address the issue of mental illness in the workplace,” added Counsel.
As part of its commitment to addressing depression and anxiety in the workplace Middletons has announced it is a sponsor of the Melbourne Theatre Company’s production of Next to Normal. The play depicts an authentic picture of mental illness through the plight of one family.
Middletons director of human resources, Tracey McDonald, says the firm takes the issue of mental health within the legal industry very seriously. “Anything we can do to highlight these issues and have them discussed openly, sends the message that mental health should not carry a stigma and people shouldn't be afraid to speak up and seek support,” she said.
Related stories:
Firms join forces again to address depression 15 November 2010
Lawyer depression: Uncertainty uncertainty follows diagnosis 9 July 2010