Last night I spoke to a big gathering of lawyers about how clinical psychologists can assist people who are stressed, anxious, feel burnt out, or are depressed.
It is an important issue for lawyers because of the high rates of emotional distress and depression in their profession. One in three solicitors and one in five barristers report depression.
I was addressing this topic last night because the Queensland Bar Association is setting up a BarCare service, including the provision of a panel on which I serve: (see link in Blogroll at left)
But I know that others will be interested in this topic so let me summarise some general points.
Go your GP first
When people come to see a clinical psychologist, they are usually referred by a doctor (a General Practitioner) who has already checked them for physical ailments in case that is the cause of their problems.
If their patient is physically healthy but needs psychological assistance, the GPs recommend a visit to a psychologist. In Australia, most people get the majority of the fee covered by Medicare by being put on a Mental Health Plan.
Symptoms
Most clients of clinical psychologists usually present with one or more of the following:
- Loss of focus
- Inability to get motivated or organized
- They drink too much or abuse other drugs
- Their relationships are having severe problems
- They are anxious and suffer from insomnia and irritability
- They feel down, negative and unable to imagine a more positive future
- They feel bored, frustrated or stuck in their lives
- Loss of self-esteem and self-doubt
- Inability to see how to make anything any better
Advantages
Clinical psychologists are trained and experienced in helping people overcome these problems so that they become healthy again.
Let me describe some advantages
First.
You have someone to talk to and that talk is confidential. It is better to talk to somebody rather than try to bluff it out, drink too much , withdraw or take out your frustrations on your families.
Second. Talking about your issues often gives you a new perspective. When we sit alone and immersed in our lives and problems we only have the point of view that got us to this point in the first place. Therefore it is difficult to see alternatives.
Third. It is easier to figure out what you want and what kind of actions would help you. You can also gain some ideas about how to go about it.
Fourth. Encouragement to change. Often I find myself acting as a coach and cheer squad for change. Sometimes people say their visits to me make them feel accountable and they are more likely to act. The advantage of getting this from someone like me rather than a partner is that our relationship will have much less emotional baggage – partly because of the lack of history, partly because of the lack of pre-existing emotional attachment and partly because I have no interests to serve apart from yours.
Fifth. You have someone on your side. Someone who is exclusively trying to help you.
A new dawn
In summary, the truth is, most of us are flawed and dysfunctional some of the time. It is a relief to be about to lay out the things that aren’t working and deal with them rather than having to suppress them and soldier on.
For more information, see the web site of Australia’s national depression initiative, Beyondblue.
http://www.beyondblue.org.au
Also visit my site at www.drchrisday.com
The media have been keeping me busy with interviews recently.
