No man is an island – it’s time to talk

Ahead of International Men’s Day on 19 November, 2022, Lawscot Wellbeing Steering Group member Gordon Lennox reflects on the benefits of men having a safe place to talk about mental health.

The emphasis on general wellbeing and mindfulness is something that has come to the fore in more recent times. That in itself is good, as the importance of mental health alongside physical health is often overlooked.

Whilst mental health issues have always been with us, it is fair to say that it is only more recently they have been recognised as a priority and something we can manage and influence. I think this is especially true in men and the encouragement to seek help can only be a positive step.

The legal profession can be brutal in that there is the perception that everyone is at the top of their game all the time. We know that is not true yet when people are struggling, whether it is with professional or personal issues, they are reluctant to speak up or seek help for fear of appearing weak or that it may hamper progression.

This year’s theme for International Men’s Day is “Helping men and boys”, so I wanted to reflect on an initiative that I have found helpful in the legal profession, that is designed to help men to manage their mental health.

Earlier this year, James MacFarlane, a solicitor at Burness Paull, set up a men’s wellbeing group for those working in the legal profession. It offers guys the opportunity just to chat about various issues. What motivates them, what creates anxiety – it’s a time for “war” stories and just a space where people can talk freely about the profession, without fear of being judged.

You soon realise that most in the group have much the same stresses and anxieties, more or less, as everyone else. Hearing what other people use as coping mechanisms etc can be useful. It gives reassurance that you are not the only person thinking what you think and that it’s not “just you”.

I very much look forward to the meetings and the discursive chats we have and topics we cover. It is a unique space for men to come together and talk, when we might not naturally otherwise. All in all, it has been a great success.

If you’d like to find out more about the men’s wellbeing group and register your interest to join, you can find out more here. If you’d like to listen, vent, have a chat or meet some people, this group is for you.

Find out more about International Men’s Day and how you can get involved here.