Many solicitors are being exposed to knowledge of harrowing events. Most are unaware of the often unintended and deleterious effects that working on these cases can have. They take three times as long. I did not realise at first how they were affecting me. Physical symptoms may include tiredness, sleep difficulties, exhaustion, headaches, gastro-intestinal disturbances, colds and flu.
Emotional reactions can occur such as irritability, anxiety, guilt and depression.
Behavioural symptoms may express themselves in cynicism, callousness, pessimism substance abuse, a sense of isolation from colleagues, the inability to concentrate, dehumanising and intellectualising clients. Alternatively, some may have intrusive thoughts about especially difficult clients or have flashbacks connected to clients. Often there is a breakdown of role boundaries. Some lawyers adopt the role of good parent that the client never had or become crusaders or counsellors. Others may struggle to cope with recollections of abuse that they themselves have suffered.