For some firms, having a mental health first aid officer is now as essential as the traditional first aid officer role. But there is still work to be done to make this the norm across all industries and all workplaces. 

Within the general community there is a high prevalence of mental illness with 1 in 5 people suffering in the workplace however, there is an even higher incidence in the legal workplace with 1 in 3 lawyers, at any one stage, suffering depression, high anxiety and stress. 

Early recognition of signs and symptoms can lead to a return to usual performance quickly and can alleviate the problems worsening. 

In this episode, ALPMA member Cathy Reynolds shares her insights into what it is like being a mental health first aid officer and the benefits it brings to her firm.