15. Wellbeing and welfare

15. Wellbeing and welfare

Becoming a patent attorney is a rewarding journey, though it can come with its own set of challenges. Balancing deadlines, incorporating feedback, managing billing, and handling client needs alongside numerous cases can feel stressful – even before factoring in exam preparation and other personal stressors. A 2019 IP Inclusive survey highlighted how the demands of the profession can impact mental health, with respondents citing high levels of work-related stress, often exacerbated by perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and reluctance to discuss challenges or take time off.

This isn’t meant to deter you – there are many fulfilling aspects to this career. But if any of the above resonates with you, please know you are not alone. Support is available to help you navigate any challenges you may face along the way.

‘It is better to admit when you are starting to struggle and take appropriate action than to power on and run the risk of becoming really unwell’.
– Jonathan’s Voice. Protecting your mental health and wellbeing: a guide for patent and trademark professionals.

I. CIPA Informals

The CIPA Informals host wellbeing-focused events throughout the year as well as a regular Wellbeing Coffee Club. The Wellbeing Coffee Club is an informal get together for trainee patent attorneys to chat. Updated details of the schedule and how to join can be found on the Yellow Sheet blog.

The Informals also coordinate a Buddy Scheme which matches trainees with more experienced buddies who can answer questions you have about your training or the job in general.

The Yellow Sheet blog also contains a welfare section which lists various resources and blog posts that may be helpful.

Finally, there is also a confidential email address for trainee patent attorneys which is accessed only by trained mental health first aiders
([email protected]). The purpose of this email is to provide a safe space for trainees to reach out, should they feel they need help or someone to talk to. The mental health first aiders are also trainees, so they may also have additional insight into the pressures you are facing.

II. Your Workplace

Your workplace may have a trained mental health first aider, or designated person that you may be able to have a confidential chat with. You may also consider talking to a supervisor if you are struggling. However, we appreciate that discussing wellbeing in the workplace can be hard, so if you do not want to do this, there are other options available (listed below).

Your workplace may have an employee assistance programme which offers confidential wellbeing services such as counselling and crisis support.

III. Resources

Jonathan’s Voice ‘JV’

JV is a mental health awareness and wellbeing charity that provides detailed resources specifically aimed at IP professionals. It includes lots of tips and ideas for improving your wellbeing.

The charity was set up in 2017 in memory of Jonathan McCartney who tragically took his own life that year. They aim to reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and to empower people to speak up and reach out for help when they need it. JV work closely with organisations to raise awareness and support them to develop better mental health and wellbeing practices in the workplace.

You can find out more about their work jonathansvoice.org.uk. Their slogan says it best, “Together we can make a difference…”. Indeed, it was through working with JV that we had the idea to set up the mental health wellbeing email, [email protected].

NHS

The NHS also have many resources on how to look after your wellbeing and mental health including a five-minute quiz that can help you to identify actions that can help you to improve your wellbeing overall.

Mind

Mind also provides lots of general resources for people struggling with their mental health. They also provide various additional services, so it is worth having a look at what help you may be able to get. Mind also provides a supportive online community to talk about your mental health.

The Mental Health Foundation

The Mental Health Foundation provides podcasts, videos and resources on how to help your mental health and wellbeing.

IV. Healthcare

We encourage you to reach out to your GP, or another health professional, if you are encountering long-term or severe issues related to your wellbeing.

For those of you in England, you can also access therapy via self referral, see here.

For those of you in Scotland, Breathing Space is available to talk on Mondays to Thursdays (6pm to 2am) and Fridays 6pm to Monday 6am by calling 0800 83 85 87 for free. More information is available on their website.

Unfortunately, if you live in Wales or Northern Ireland, these services are not available, but help can be accessed either via your GP or from the sources below.

V. Help Now

If you are in imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.

If you are struggling and need to talk to someone, there are several organisations offering free, confidential listening/advice services. Please note that you do not have to be in a crisis to access the support below. The numbers below are given for people calling from within the UK. Please access their website for details if you need to access help from outside the UK.

The Samaritans

The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them on 116 123 for free, email them at [email protected] or write a letter (Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS). For more information visit the website.

SANE

SANE provides emotional support for anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. They can be contacted via 0300 304 7000 from 4.30pm to 10.30pm every evening.

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

CALM is a service for men, available by calling 0800 58 58 58 from 5pm to midnight every day. You can also contact them via webchat.

Papyrus

This is a service for people under 35. They can be contacted on 0800 068 41 41 between 9am to 10pm weekdays, or 2pm-10pm on weekends and bank holidays. You can also contact them via text on 07860 039 967 or email at [email protected]. See here for more information.

LawCare

LawCare is a service for anyone in the legal community who is struggling with any aspect of their life (not just job pressure). They can be contacted via 0800 279 6888 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm. Their webchat can also be accessed on Wednesdays from 9am to 5.30pm.

Shout

Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support by texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. To learn more visit their website.