‘I wanted to go to sleep and not wake up again’

Chris Parsons has led an incredible legal career, across multiple countries for one of the world’s biggest law firms. However, he believes that the best thing he has ever done is go public about his debilitating mental health issues. (Content warning: This episode contains content that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.)On this episode of The Lawyers Weekly Show, host Jerome Doraisamy is joined by Herbert Smith Freehills partner and India Practice chair Chris Parsons to the circumstances that led to his breakdown and battle with severe mental health issues, why it was so important for him to be transparent with the outside world about his battle, and how his workplace responded to his needs. Mr Parsons also delves into how his journey has shaped his perspective on the duty of leadership, his optimism for the mainstreaming of lawyers being able to tell their stories, and how best to come back “from a place of brokenness”. Help is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Each law society and bar association also has further contacts available on their respective websites. If you like this episode, show your support by rating us or leaving a review on Apple Podcasts (The Lawyers Weekly Show) and by following Lawyers Weekly on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.   If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you'd like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@lawyersweekly.com.au for more insights!