Before long, mental illness will be the most prominent, if not the most common, ailments suffered by Australians. One in four young people suffer some form of mental illness during their school years. In an average classroom of thirty school students, seven will develop a psychological condition such a depression. Only two of those seven will seek help, while the other five will continue their daily routine without the benefit of any aid whatsoever.
But students – and those who care for them – can and do have the capacity to take proactive steps to live a more holistic life while in school, so as to ensure not only academic success, but also to emerge as more rounded and balanced people.
A litigious culture, extreme hours and relentless pressure – both internal and external – can all take their toll. Young lawyer Jerome Doraisamy learnt the hard way how pushing yourself to the physical and emotional limit can wreak havoc on your mental health and wellbeing.
Over an 18-month period starting from late 2011, including one period of hospitalisation, he suffered from severe clinical depression and anxiety. His first book, The Wellness Doctrines for Law Students and Young Lawyers, addresses the crisis in the profession head-on, offering practical tools and guidance for young legal professionals via insightful case studies from academics, managing partners, senior solicitors, graduates and students.
Showcasing a “by lawyers, for lawyers” approach, this book provides the inspiration a young legal professional needs to take charge of his or her health and wellbeing.
