‘Don’t be afraid to talk – it can save your life’

As a junior practitioner who has suffered debilitating mental health struggles, Kian Rafie is determined to see the legal profession get better at talking openly about our individual experiences. Talking, he says, can make all the difference. (Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Discretion is advised.)

On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy speaks with Piper Alderman lawyer Kian Rafie about the importance of having more frequent conversations about mental health struggles for lawyers, his motivation to be a lawyer, and his journey with and through anxiety, depression and suicide ideation as a junior practitioner.

Mr Rafie also reflects on where he is now relative to years gone by, the support he has received from legal professionals, why talking is so important, overcoming the bravado that exists among Australian men, balancing the need to protect one’s self in a still-traditional sector versus addressing one’s struggles, practical steps that have helped him get better, and other words of wisdom based on his experience for those coming through the ranks.

Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has resources available on their respective websites.

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