Welcome > ADMA > Your Enquiry > Lawyer Well-Being > I’m feeling overwhelmed and stuck. What should I do to manage stress?
The following are resources that may be helpful in answering your enquiry. Please familiarize yourself with them before moving on.
In brief: Feeling overwhelmed and stuck is a common experience, and seeking support is a proactive step toward finding solutions. By implementing a comprehensive approach that addresses both practical and well-being aspects, you can regain a sense of control and navigate personal and professional challenges more effectively.
Take a moment to self-reflect: Begin by taking a moment for self-reflection. Identify the specific factors contributing to your feelings of overwhelm. This could include a heavy caseload, tight deadlines, or challenges in case management.
Prioritize: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Break down your workload into manageable components and focus on the most critical aspects first. This can help create a sense of order and control.
Delegate when possible: If you have the option, consider delegating tasks to colleagues or support staff. Delegating can lighten your workload and provide others with opportunities to contribute.
Collaborate: Don't hesitate to lean on your colleagues. Collaborative problem-solving can bring fresh perspectives and shared solutions. Discuss your challenges with colleagues who may have faced similar situations.
Well-being check. Take a moment to assess your well-being. Ensure you are taking breaks, getting sufficient rest, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, whatever that looks like for you. Physical and mental well-being are crucial for maintaining resilience in the face of challenges.
Set realistic expectations. Review your expectations and ensure they are realistic given the current circumstances. It's okay to reassess and adjust your goals to match the resources and time available.
Remember, if you’re feeling stuck and need to vent, don’t hesitate to call a Practice Advisor. They can provide a listening ear, offer insights and help you navigate through challenging situations - no issue is silly or too small! Follow the link at the bottom of this page to schedule an appointment.
Check out LifeSpeak. As of 2023, the Law Society provides lawyers and articling students access to LifeSpeak, a digital wellness platform that offers content to help you manage your mental health. For in-the-moment support, check out guided meditations, videos and other resources for practical tips that you can implement immediately in your daily life.
Follow this link to learn more about LifeSpeak.
Contact a counsellor through TELUS Health One. TELUS Health One can help with life's questions, issues and concerns including handling stress, maintaining relationships and challenges at work. The Law Society funds personal counselling and referral services through TELUS Health One. Services are confidential and available at no cost to individual BC lawyers and articled students and their immediate families.
Follow this link to learn more about TELUS Health One.
Call a Bencher. Benchers have a wealth of practical knowledge and connections within the legal community and may be able to help you talk through a problem or offer suggestions for how to proceed.
Follow this link to reach out to a Bencher.
Talk to a mentor or trusted colleague. Your colleagues and legal community can be one of your greatest assets and supports. If you have a trusted colleague in your field, chances are they will have been through a similar experience and will be able to empathize or suggest next steps.
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