Mental Health Breakfast Forum

It may come as a surprise, but lawyers are not the only individuals in the legal industry who may develop health issues from leading the highly stressed lifestyle of legal practice. Recent studies (conducted by the University of Sydney’s Sydney Brain and Mind Research Institute in 2008) show that law students have the highest incidence of distress and anxiety issues amongst their peers, at a rate of 41%. The statistic becomes even more alarming when one considers that this was a result of studying law and did not exist prior to commencement of tertiary studies.


The study shows we law students are a competitive, high-achieving bunch of perfectionists who appear to be entering law usually to please others (whether parents, our friends or the community) rather than ourselves. As a typical “lone wolf” scenario, we are also some of the least likely to share their issues or to seek help. So, if one in three of each experiences high or very high levels of anxiety, stress or depression what can we do to help our peers and more importantly, help ourselves?

The LSS hosted a Mental Health Breakfast Forum for all UTS:LAW students, where one could gain awareness and insight into this most serious of issues currently facing the health and wellbeing of those in the legal industry, but also receive the practical tools necessary to put oneself in a better physical, emotional, psychological and ultimately mental state, in order to combat mental health issues for oneself and those around you.

We were fortunate to host Mrs Marie Jepson, co-founder of the Tristan Jepson Memorial Foundation created in memory of young lawyer Tristan Jepson. The Foundation was created aim of educating and bringing awareness of mental illness to all those potentially affected personally whether by friend or associate.