Mental health guides
This section of the website contains links to self-help resources from challenging stigma to how to support your mental and physical health. Please note that any self-assessment tool should be taken as an indicator to seek support from qualified service providers or your GP and not a diagnosis of a condition. Please also see our section on Supporting Agencies for specific help and advice.
General guides
NHS Feelings and symptoms
Read about feelings and symptoms that can be common with mental health problems.
SAMH Guides to Mental Health Problems
Resources for when you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is.
SAMH Wellbeing Assessment tool
This wellbeing assessment uses the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) to measure wellbeing.
Stress
Stress is a physiological and psychological response to challenging situations or demands, triggering the body's "fight or flight" mechanism. We put our bodies and minds through stress multiple times every day however stress impacts people differently and can cause problems. The HSE defines workplace stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demand placed on them”. It encompasses emotional, physical, and cognitive strain, impacting overall wellbeing. Managing stress involves adopting coping strategies to mitigate its effects and promote resilience in the face of adversity.
Resources
The Stress Management Society - Stress test and resources
LawCare – Stress information and advice specifically for the legal profession
Burnout
WHO define Burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed” They note that burnout is a specifically occupational issue causing feeling of a lack of energy, negative thoughts about the job and reduced efficacy.
Resources
Depression
Depression is marked by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a lack of energy. It affects thoughts, emotions, and sometimes daily activities. Depression ranges in severity from daily struggles through to a potential risk to life due to suicidal ideation.
Resources
Depression UK – the national charity for Depression in the UK
LawCare depression fact sheet – information on how depression affects you
NHS Depression Self Guide – a CBT approach to support mild depression
Anxiety
Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense, or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
Resources
Mind – Self-care tools for Anxiety
LawCare anxiety fact sheet – information on how anxiety affects you
Anxiety UK – breathing tools and CBT arts
No Panic – self-help resources including downloadable worksheets with positive affirmations, goal setting strategies and distraction