Qld law orchestra aims to promote mental health in the legal profession
High rates of mental illness in the law and a spate of suicides have prompted a group of young lawyers to start an orchestra to promote psychological wellbeing.
QLD News
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A NEWLY created Queensland law orchestra is not only allowing lawyers and law students to pursue a passion for music, it’s promoting mental wellness in a profession which has been jolted by a spate of suicides.
Known as LawchestraQ, it’s already attracted dozens of Queensland legal professionals to fortnightly practice sessions at Brisbane’s historic Old Museum Building since its March launch and has top-level backing. Court of Appeal Justice Anthe Philippides is its foundation patron and world-acclaimed didgeridoo player William Barton recently performed with the orchestra at its end-of-year concert.
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“There has been much discussion in recent times about the cancer of social isolation,” Justice Philippides said at a LawchestraQ performance, featuring the soothing sounds of Tchaikovsky and Grieg.
“The story of this orchestra is about remedying that by reaching out, being inclusive, showing generosity and kindness.
“Tonight provides strong evidence that nothing can replace the deep, multifaceted connections we make through direct face-to-face engagement, especially when that engagement is communal and focused on the sheer pleasure and joy of being creative together.”
LawchestraQ was the brainchild of a group of musical lawyers and law graduates, all in the dawn of their careers, among them solicitor Daniel Trigger.
Mr Trigger said mental illness in the law was discussed towards the end of his law degree at the University of Queensland and during his practical legal training.
“There’s a big commentary about junior lawyers having higher rates of mental illness and working very long hours, especially in corporate law,” he said.
“The law orchestra was set up to provide an inclusive, informal and welcoming space for lawyers to engage creatively and pursue their passion for music. Given that the legal profession has such high rates of mental illness – depression and anxiety and isolation – it’s very important to continue your passions.”
While much has been written about mental illness among doctors, the issue in the legal profession appears to be just as problematic.
Beyond Blue’s lead clinical adviser Grant Blashki said studies during the past decade had consistently found high rates of mental health issues in the legal profession, particularly depression and anxiety.
“It’s a very high stress and time-pressured environment, particularly because a lot of law firms work on billing targets and so people are very much watching the clock,” Dr Blashki said.
“Lawyers can also experience vicarious trauma from seeing a lot of other people suffering – people involved in crimes or people losing their livelihoods.”
Among LawchestraQ’s sponsors is the Queensland Law Society, with outgoing president Bill Potts praising any initiative that promotes mental wellbeing in the legal profession.
He said a Queensland barrister had taken his own life in recent weeks.
“We have one of the highest suicide rates of any profession and it’s because of the hard nature of the work, the volume of the work and also the fact that much of what we do is both personally combative and something which has an effect on people’s private lives,” Mr Potts said.
“A lot of what we do is very isolating. It’s extraordinarily stressful. Five barristers in the last 18 months have suicided in Queensland alone.”
Mr Potts and Dr Blashki, a general practitioner, both said some lawyers were self-medicating on alcohol or other drugs rather than seeking professional help.
Dr Blashki said the stigma of opening up about having a mental illness was still strong in the law.
“People are worried that if they put up their hand and say they’re not coping that it will affect their job prospects or other promotion prospects,” he said. “It’s a tough game and people are worried to express any vulnerability.
“As a GP, and working at Beyond Blue, there are treatments that work really well. It’s a really common issue and if you get proper psychological treatment and for some people, medication if they need it, things settle down. They get better.
“But if they start down the track of alcohol, their lives can unravel, it affects relationships and causes all sorts of trouble.”
Although seeking professional help is always advised for severe mental health issues, Dr Blashki said joining an orchestra could promote social connections, peer support and work-life balance.
University of Queensland associate professor in clinical psychology, Genevieve Dingle, has studied the benefits of group singing on mental health, finding meaningful improvements in depression, anxiety and general wellness.
“Although it might seem counterintuitive to ask lawyers who are already working ridiculous hours to take on something else, such as playing in an orchestra, as a way to decrease stress, it is highly likely to work,” Professor Dingle said.
“Many young people who study law and enter the profession have also played musical instruments and/or sung in choirs during their schooling, and have the skills to continue this interest in a non-competitive environment.
“There is a growing movement of community orchestras for this very purpose – it’s a way to connect with others, use different parts of your brain and body, compared to those you use at work, and have fun together.”
Trombone player and law graduate Jessie Schreiber, a member of LawchestraQ’s organising committee, said a recent survey of orchestra members showed it was benefiting their mental health.
“Lawchestra has provided a great opportunity to really forget about any personal worries or troubles,” one member wrote.
Another said: “I’ve noticed that I am a lot happier now that I am back doing something that used to be such a big part of my life. When I’m playing all I’m focusing on is the music in front of me, my trumpet and the sounds around me. The day’s stresses all melt away.”
•To join LaworchestraQ: thelegalforecast.com/tlf-creative
•For help: Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
•Lifeline: 13 1114
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