A deep dive on the mental health of Law students: An Interview with Freddy Peredo, Senior Psychologist at Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
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1. What is the most common reason a law student will come to see you for? Do you see any trends in the types of mental health struggles law students face?
Law students who seek help from Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at Monash often have issues similar to those of other students. Still, they also face unique and significant stressors that lead them to seek counselling. Some of the most common reasons can include:
Academic Pressure
Law students can often face significant academic pressure, leading to increased anxiety, depressive mood and stress. The competitive nature of studying law, where grades can impact future job prospects, can contribute to this pressure. Law students can also have perfectionistic traits, which can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The constant drive to excel can be exhausting and lead to mental health challenges.
Study/Work-Life Balance
The demanding workload of studying and possibly working can leave little time for personal life. This may result in burnout and isolation as students prioritise their studies over social connections, leading to a sense of loneliness and depression due to an unhealthy work-life balance.
Trends in Mental Health Challenges Among Law Students:
Increased Awareness:
There has been a growing awareness of mental health issues in law faculties, leading to more students seeking counselling and support.
Stigma Reduction:
Efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health in the legal profession have encouraged more students to seek help.
Focus on Resilience and Mindfulness:
There is an increasing trend towards teaching resilience, mindfulness, and stress management techniques in law faculties to assist students in coping with the profession's demands.
2. What are some normalised behaviours amongst students, particularly law students, that in your opinion needs to be addressed?
Certain detrimental behaviours can manifest among law students, impacting their mental health, well-being, and success. Examples include:
Overwork and Lack of Rest:
It is not uncommon for law students to work excessively long hours, sacrificing sleep, rest, and leisure time. This can lead to burnout, physical health issues, and decreased academic performance.
Unrealistic Self-Expectations:
Some law students may set unattainably high standards for themselves, thinking that anything less than perfection is a failure. This mindset can result in chronic stress, anxiety, and a fear of making mistakes, leading students to link their self-worth to their academic success. As a result, they may develop avoidance behaviours or experience extreme stress.
Reluctance to Seek Help:
Some students might not seek support from faculty or peers because they are worried about seeming “weak or incompetent”. They feel like they have to handle stress alone, which can stop them from getting the help they need. They may downplay their mental health issues, convincing themselves that what they're going through is "normal" or "just part of studying law."
3. What advice would you give to law students regarding managing their mental health and well-being during law school?
As a psychologist at Monash, I frequently discuss with law students the importance of prioritising self-care and self-compassion. This entails maintaining healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise routines, setting realistic expectations and practicing self-compassion to manage stress and avoid burnout. Developing practical time management skills, setting boundaries, and maintaining a healthy study-life balance are crucial. Additionally, staying connected with people you care for, participating in activities outside of your studies, and managing perfectionistic traits by embracing mistakes as learning opportunities are important. Also, not hesitating to seek support from CAPS when needed. Lastly, maintain perspective by staying connected to your values and not allowing your studies to define your worth, as it extends beyond academic performance.
4. Do you have any strategies or techniques students can use to cope with anxiety during law school, particularly during public speaking or social interactions and leading up to exams?
Law students can use various psychological strategies to manage anxiety during their studies. Here are some simple techniques that can help:
• Mindfulness: This technique can help calm the mind and body, controlling anxiety during stressful situations.
• Cognitive restructuring: Becoming aware of irrational or unhelpful thoughts, also known as "cognitive distortions," and replacing them with more balanced, realistic, and constructive thoughts can help reduce anxious feelings.
• Exposure therapy: Gradually increasing exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, such as public speaking, can help build confidence over time.
• Positive self-talk: Mentally rehearsing success and increasing self-assurance through positive self-talk can be powerful.
• Effective time management and study routines: Creating a sense of control and preparedness before exams can help reduce anxiety.
Interview transcribed by Nisha Thanabal