Make time to talk about anxiety

This Time to Talk Day (5 Feb), let’s make time to talk about mental health at work, so no one feels they have to cope with anxiety or other challenges alone.

Talking openly and honestly about mental health in the workplace can help reduce stigma, ensure people feel less isolated, and make it easier to ask for support when it’s needed. That’s why Time to Talk Day matters so much for people working in the legal sector.

If you’re feeling anxious or on edge, you’re not alone. Many others feel the same way.

• LawCare’s Life in the Law 2025 report found that half of people who responded said they felt anxious often, very often or all of the time in the past year.
• Anxiety remains one of the most common issues people contact LawCare about for support. In 2025, 34% of people who contacted LawCare’s support team said anxiety was a key concern. We often hear from people who feel anxious, overwhelmed or unable to switch off from work. As one person told us:

“I was becoming more and more anxious about the prospect of court and started to have physical symptoms. I had a constant knot in my stomach, which grew over the weekend knowing I had to face work again on Monday.”

Heavy workloads, tight deadlines and responsibility for clients all add pressure. A culture that values perfection and pushing on, even when things feel hard, can make anxiety worse. Ongoing change and uncertainty in the profession can also leave people feeling unsettled.

What anxiety can look and feel like

Anxiety affects people in different ways and is not always easy to spot. Some people feel constantly worried or have racing thoughts. Others notice physical symptoms like headaches, tiredness, a tight chest or trouble sleeping. It can become harder to focus, irritability may increase, and relaxing outside work can feel difficult.

In the legal sector, anxiety is often hidden. People may keep going, work longer hours or be very hard on themselves. But knowing what anxiety looks and feels like can help us recognise it earlier in ourselves and our colleagues.

Why talking about anxiety matters

Even though anxiety is very common, many people still find it hard to talk about it. Stigma, fear of being judged, or worries about how it might affect their career can stop people from speaking up.

Talking openly can help.

• Sharing how you feel can make you feel less alone, help you see things more clearly, and make it easier to get support.
• Listening to someone else without judging them can also make a big difference. You don’t need to fix things or have the right words. Being kind and listening is often enough.

How to start a conversation

Time to Talk Day reminds us that conversations about mental health do not have to be perfect or planned. Choose a time and place where the person feels comfortable; this might be a quiet call, a walk, or a coffee. Often, a simple “How are you?” is enough to open the door.

Give the person your full attention, avoid interrupting, and use open questions like “What would help right now?” Respond with empathy rather than advice and avoid clichés or turning the conversation back to yourself.

If it feels appropriate, gently signpost to further support, such as LawCare, HR, a trusted colleague, or their GP. Sometimes, knowing support is there is what matters most.

Practical ways to cope and support one another

There is no single way to manage anxiety, but many things can help. For some people, simply talking about how they feel can bring relief. Others find it helpful to speak to someone they trust, such as a colleague, manager, friend or family member. Setting limits where possible, taking regular breaks, and finding ways to switch off outside work can also make a difference.

Managers and leaders play an important role. Creating a workplace where people feel safe to talk about their mental health can help reduce stigma and encourage earlier support. This might include regular check-ins, being open about your own wellbeing, and responding with kindness when someone shares how they are feeling.

If anxiety is affecting your everyday life, you do not have to cope on your own and it may be time to seek professional help. You can talk to your GP or see if your workplace offers support. You can also get in touch with LawCare for free, confidential support.

LawCare’s helpline is available to anyone in the legal sector by phone, email and online chat:
Call: 0800 279 6888
Email: support@lawcare.org.uk
Online chat: www.lawcare.org.uk

You can also find more information and support on the LawCare website, including resources about anxiety: Resources – LawCare