Supporting legal professionals during mental health week

Mental health challenges are a shared human experience that affect individuals in deep but sometimes invisible ways. By age 40, half of Canadians will face mental health issues. According to the Canadian Mental Health Organization, between 19 per cent and 26 per cent of British Columbians experience mental illness each year.

These challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress or other conditions, can disrupt daily life, strain relationships and limit professional growth. Legal professionals are not immune. In a field known for high standards and intense pressure, many feel compelled to hide their struggles for fear of judgment. 

This Mental Health Week, we stand with the Canadian Mental Health Association to promote Unmasking Mental Health, a campaign focused on empathy and connection. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we can foster deeper relationships, support mental well-being and spark a ripple effect of understanding and courage across the profession. 

We invite legal professionals to join us on May 7, 2025, for a virtual Mental Health Forum in partnership with the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC. The event will explore mental health in the legal profession, offer practical strategies and feature panels of legal and mental health experts. There will be opportunities for open dialogue, questions and sharing experiences. 

Creating a healthier community starts with compassion, support and understanding. 

Explore free resources available to you and your family: 

• Lawyer Well-Being Hub: Quick access to videos, tools and mental health resources tailored for legal professionals. 
• LifeSpeak: A confidential platform offering expert-led videos and blogs for BC lawyers and their families. 
• Lawyers Assistance Program: Confidential support, counselling, peer interventions, and referrals for lawyers, articled students, support staff, and their families dealing with mental health issues.
• TELUS Health One: Free counselling and health services for BC lawyers, articled students and their families.