Stress and other mental health concerns biggest cause of sick leave

NHS Health workers alone took a staggering 4.6 million days of sick leave last year on mental health grounds

Depression treatment specialists – Smart TMS – reveal independent research into the mental health profile of the UK’s workforce

National Stress Awareness Day, a commemorative event from Mind to help relieve stress and improve the nation’s mental health.

Mind introduced this commemorative event following their findings that more than 50% of all UK workers claim to be affected by poor mental health in the workplace.

In light of this, Smart TMS, a treatment centre for anxiety and depression, now reveal findings of their independent research into the shocking mental health profile of UK workers:

• Almost one third – 32% – of UK workers no longer enjoy work as much as they used to
• 19% of UK workers said that they don’t have time to see a medical professional about their mental health
• Over one fifth – 22% – of UK workers said that they are too busy to think about their mental health, despite having consistent symptoms of anxiety/depression
• Over a fifth – 21% – of UK workers would like to see someone about their mental health but worry that treatment would take too long
• A fifth – 20% – of respondents said that, as a freelancer, they feel that they cannot take time away from work to address mental health issues as it would be a detriment to the business
• 15% of UK workers have had to turn to payday lenders or short-term finance solutions due to inconsistent payments from my freelance work
• A quarter – 25% – of UK workers can’t afford big-ticket commitments such as weddings, holidays, and home improvements due to the freelance payment structure
• Almost a quarter – 23% – of UK workers work between 2 to 5 jobs at one time to support my income

These findings follow research published as early as 2011 that stress and other mental health concerns have been the primary cause of sick leave across the country, and earlier this year it was reported that stress and mental health is also the main cause of sick leave for NHS workers; according to NHS Digital Statistics; who themselves work in the healthcare sector.

Gerard Barnes, CEO of Smart TMS, provides the following commentary:  “Smart TMS’ research shows that a truly startling number of Brits are suffering severe levels of stress and anxiety, due in a large part to the expectations and pressures at work. The pressure of today’s work-first, rat-race lifestyle can induce severe anxiety, and the obligation to support this imbalanced work and leisure is extremely detrimental.

More needs to be done to help people recognise symptoms of mental health conditions within their own behaviours and respond accordingly. It is also vital for everybody to understand that they are treatment options available, and there is no shame in admitting that there is an issue and finding appropriate treatment to manage it. Anyone suffering from severe stress and anxiety should ensure that they are in a position to seek help and treatment if needed.”