World Mental Health Day | Legal Fraternity shares insights for mental well-being

These days, the hustle and bustle of fast-paced life has impacted the sanity of one and all. This resulted in a more open discussion on mental health across the globe, among all ages and professions, in the recent past.

While Courts in India are over-burdened by number of pending cases, the numbers also reflect on the workload dealt with by the lawyers. Here, we share insights into discussion with some legal luminaries, sharing about how to take care of one’s own mental well-being to legally represent people in a more impactful manner.

Thoughts for Prioritising Mental Health of Lawyers

“The dynamics of Mental health continue to be the mystic and elusive shangri La of human well-being. The sooner we fully accept its crucial importance to our collective realization of true good health, the better!”

~ Parag Tripathi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Parag Tripathi

“It is necessary to prioritize mental well-being. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We need to take giant strides towards breaking the silence and taboo around mental health. As awareness of the importance of mental well-being increases, supporting each other with their mental well-being in the workplace is becoming ever more crucial. Everyone’s well-being must matter.”

~ Rabindra Jhunjhunwala, Partner, Khaitan & Co

Rabindra Jhunjhunwala

“Mental health in the legal profession is unfortunately still steeped in stigma. It is incumbent on law firm leadership as well as judges and senior advocates to normalise mental health conversations and ensure that those who may be struggling have the support and safe space to focus on their well-being, without compromising their career growth.”

~ Shweta Shroff Chopra, Equity Partner, Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co

Shweta Shroff Chopra

“Mental health to a member of legal fraternity is as important as a pen to a writer. We will not be in a position to be sounding boards to the ones in need if we are busy finding our own centre.”

~ Radhika Bishwajit Dubey, Independent Counsel

Radhika Bishwajit Dubey

“In the life of a dispute lawyer, there is a lot of known and unknown stress. Every day, we strive to perform our duty towards the court and the client, but neglect our own self in the process. Mental health is the most critical aspect of our day-to-day functioning. After all, it’s all in the mind.”

~ Shashank Garg, Independent Counsel

Shashank Garg

“The strain on mental health is an aspect that legal professionals have traditionally ignored but cannot ignore anymore. The adversarial nature of litigation can foster a high-stress environment, which may lead to or exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It’s important for lawyers to acknowledge these pressures and seek appropriate support. Employing coping strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be beneficial.”

~ Bharat Chugh, Independent Counsel; Former Judge

Bharat Chugh

“The demanding work life and also the continuous urge to meet the deadlines, is one of the paramount reasons for mental health problems, if viewed from the lens of a lawyer. I feel the mental health issue should not be underestimated or overlooked. We should have more discussions on the same for its healthy acceptance and for people to speak more about it.”

~ Tanvi Dubey, Advocate, Supreme Court of India

Tanvi Dubey

“While perseverance, grit and hard work are essential for survival in litigation, it often leads to glorifying the struggle and burnout. In my opinion, collegiality is the only solution to deal with this. Litigation also requires creativity and for that to flourish, a healthy mind and workspace are most important. Taking time out to take care of their mental health will not make one lag behind in their career, it will just make them come back stronger.”

~ Mehaak Jaggi, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India

Mehaak Jaggi