How an advocate can avoid burnout at work: a psychologist shares her advice
The war and related challenges have significantly increased the psychological burden on lawyers. They face human grief, uncertainty and stress on a daily basis. It is not surprising that statistics show a high level of emotional burnout among human rights defenders.
On January 31, the Ukrainian National Bar Association, with the support of the International Bar Association (IBA), held a webinar «Emotional Burnout: How to Burn and Not Burn». The event was held within the framework of the project «Supporting the Mental Health of Ukrainian Lawyers in Time of War».
The speaker of the webinar was an invited psychologist, Gestalt therapist Yulia Kudela, who shared practical tips to help lawyers maintain their mental health and emotional stability.
According to her data, two-thirds of lawyers have experienced symptoms of professional burnout at least once. About 28% suffer from depression and 19% from anxiety.
Yulia Kudela spoke about how professional burnout manifests itself and what consequences it can have. She also explained how stress works and why it is important to be able to resist it.
Particular attention was paid to practical methods of burnout prevention. The speaker emphasized that, in addition to general recommendations, attorneys-at-law can apply special (taking into account the peculiarities of the profession) methods to prevent burnout:
- Planning and organization of working time. Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life, the ability to delegate authority and set priorities will help reduce the feeling of overload;
- development of self-regulation skills. Learning relaxation, meditation, or breathing exercises will help you quickly relieve stress and restore emotional balance;
- seeking professional help. If you feel that you cannot cope with emotional burnout on your own, do not hesitate to contact a psychologist or psychotherapist;
- Participation in activities to improve mental health: Webinars, trainings, and other events can help you gain new knowledge and skills to support your mental health.
«The webinar was an important step towards raising awareness of lawyers about the problem of burnout and the necessary support, - said Hanna Udovenko, coordinator of the project «Supporting the Mental Health of Ukrainian Lawyers during the War». - And the UNBA continues to work on creating favorable conditions for the professional activities of advocates, in particular by supporting their mental health».
Popular news
Discussion
Why lowering the age of marriage lacks legal logic
Although until 2012 there was a provision in family law that allowed children to marry from the age of 14 under certain circumstances, its return to Ukrainian law would contradict international obligations and the logic of criminal law.
Self-government
A report on Ukrainian advocacy was presented in the European Parliament
Can a shadow report on advocacy replace the political framework of the Roadmap on the rule of law with demands for the restructuring of self-government? Where is the line between accountability and the seizure of institutions? And how can we respond to narratives with data rather than impressions?
Guarantees of the practice of law
Proceedings opened following attack on advocate in Dnipro
The Committee for the protection of advocates' rights and guarantees of legal practice of the UNBA appealed to law enforcement agencies in connection with an advocate's report of an attack while performing his professional duties. The information was entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations and a pre-trial investigation was initiated.
Interaction
«With us — to Europe»: Italian advocacy supports UNBA initiatives
On January 30, a meeting was held in Rome between a delegation from the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the National Bar Council of Italy (Consiglio Nazionale Forense, CNF) on the standards and practices of the legal profession and their significance for Ukraine's European integration process.
Interaction
France confirms cooperation with UNBA on reforms in the field of the rule of law
On January 29, a working meeting between representatives of the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the French National Bar Council (Conseil National des Barreaux, CNB) took place in Paris.
Abroad
UNBA office opens in EU capital
To strengthen the institutional presence of the Ukrainian advocacy community at the European level, an office of the Ukrainian National Bar Association has been opened in Brussels (Belgium), which will serve as a permanent platform for dialogue with European partners.
Interaction
UNBA and BRAK discussed European integration priorities and regulation of the profession
On January 26, a meeting was held between representatives of the Ukrainian National Bar Association and the German Federal Bar Association (Bundesrechtsanwaltskammer, BRAK).
Guarantees of the practice of law
The President was urged to sign the law on strengthening guarantees for advocacy activities
The professional community of advocates called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to sign Law No. 4547-IX, which strengthens guarantees for advocates' activities, in particular by introducing liability for identifying an advocate with a client.
Publications
Volodymyr Matsko Extradition as a systemic form of rights violations
Victoria Yakusha, Law and Business The anti-corruption vertical cannot «take care» of the Bar as an institution, - acting head of the HQDCB
Censor.net Protecting advocates – protecting justice: addressing concerns about the new law
Ihor Kolesnykov A BRIEF SUMMARY REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ORDER ON EXTENDED CONFISCATION IN LATVIA REGARDING FINANCIAL ASSETS OF…
Valentyn Gvozdiy WORKING IN A WAR ZONE
Lydia Izovitova Formula of perfection
Sergiy Vylkov Our judicial system is so built that courts do not trust advocates
Iryna Vasylyk Advocacy in the proclamation of Independence of Ukraine
