Centre for Mental Health

Centre responds to survey showing workers too scared speak out about mental health issues

17 May 2011

A survey commissioned by the national mental health charity Mind reveals alarming new evidence that workers who admit to feeling stressed or depressed fear being sacked or forced out of their jobs. Mind’s survey of over 2000 workers found that:

• 41% are currently stressed or very stressed in their jobs – making it more stressful than money worries, marriage and relationships or health issues
• 1 in 4 said they would be deemed less capable than others if they admitted to feeling stressed
• Of those who had disclosed a mental health problem to their boss in a previous role, 22% had been sacked or forced out of their jobs

The figures confirm that despite the widespread prevalence of mental health problems, stigma and discrimination are rife.

Responding to the survey, Bob Grove, Joint Chief Executive at the Centre for Mental Health said: "Until we tackle the myths and misperceptions around mental health then the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health at work will continue. Employers can take simple, inexpensive steps to reduce the burden through early detection and better support for mental health problems. Our 2007 report 'Mental Health at work: developing the business case found that every year British businesses lose £26 billion in sickness absence and lost productivity, or £1035 per employee. However, with greater awareness and mental health support, businesses could save one third of these costs - almost £8 billion a year.”

Centre for Mental Health’s workplace training scheme, Impact on Depression, was set up in 2010 to enable managers and staff to understand, identify and support people at work experiencing common mental health problems. Based on the Australian beyondblue National Workplace Programme, it gives people the knowledge and skills needed to act early and signpost colleagues to professional support and guidance.

Talking about the Centre’s workplace training scheme Bob Grove said: "We know that a positive response from line managers and other colleagues can make all the difference to someone who is in distress. Impact on Depression gives managers the confidence and competence to respond well when they need to. Simple, inexpensive measures like this could save every British business up to £300 every year for each person they employ, preventing unnecessary job loss due to a lack of awareness or understanding of mental health conditions at work. "