#IveBeenThere - A Junior Lawyer’s Perspective by Chloe Lake
If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is OK to say ‘No’: Paralegal Chloe Lake hopes that her experience in recognising and tackling her recent mental health challenges can prove to be an inspiration to others.
As a junior lawyer, I am proud to be vocal about encouraging people to show that everything really can be OK if you use the tools, resources and coping mechanisms available to you.
Last year I suffered a period of poor mental health and can count on one hand how many times I left my house. Loneliness is a feeling I know all too well – and during this period I felt it acutely. Fast forward several months and I am not just surviving, I am thriving, having learned some hugely important lessons.
How did I go from the lowest low to where I am currently? It started by asking for help. I admitted to myself that I could not do it all. I was spinning too many plates and had neglected my mental and physical wellbeing.
I approached my team leader and my head of team and expressed that I needed help with managing my workload. In the moments leading up to these conversations I felt like I had failed myself. Those frank, honest and helpful conversations turned out to be exactly what I needed.
Plans were put in place that helped me to adjust, I felt supported, reassured. Instantly, a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders.
Do not be scared to ask for help. I study for additional qualifications alongside my work. It is no mean feat, and there are some days that are harder than others. One of the best things about working at Wilson Browne Solicitors is the accessibility of your colleagues at all levels.
If you are feeling slightly lost, look around. Make meaningful connections with your peers. A simple ‘You got this’ or the offer of some notes to look over can be incredibly reassuring.
One of the biggest and most important lessons I have learned over the last six to eight months is that you can say ‘No’ to things. If you overload yourself, you will end up burned out. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is OK to say ‘No’. A busy schedule of extracurricular or employment-based activities is great but taking time to look after yourself is vital.
Looking after your mental health is important. I hope that parts of this article offer some inspiration for anyone who may experience similar and is looking for ways to overcome such challenges. I consider myself indescribably lucky to work at a firm where our ethos of being #AllTheHelpYouNeed is not only applicable to the service.
Chloe Lake is a paralegal in the residential conveyancing team at Wilson Browne Solicitors.
