For Mental Health Awareness Week Mynurva carried out research to identify the level of help and support available for UK workers in full time employment who suffer from mental health problems.
The UK’s mental health crisis
34% of UK workers with mental health issues feel their condition worsened in 2018
Two-thirds of Brits don’t think GP’s have the time or training to effectively treat mental health problems
The survey found:
- 68% of Britons don’t think the Government do enough to support people in the UK with mental health problems
- Over two-thirds (67%) do not believe GP’s have time or training to effectively diagnose and recommend appropriate treatment
It also found that 32% of all UK adults in full-time employment have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace.
Of those:
- 54% are not aware of any support process within their company to help with their mental health symptoms
- 49% feel there is no appropriate culture in the workplace to enable people to open up about their mental well being
- 54% have struggled to find time in their working day to attend medical appointments
o This figure rises to 66% among workers aged 18-34
- 40% of workers have missed scheduled medical appointments concerning their mental health issues because of work commitments
o For Londoners, this figure rose to 60%>
- As a result, 34% of workers feel their mental health issues have become more severe in the past 12 months
NHS and companies needs to do better
New research reveals just how pressing the issue of mental health support is for the Government to address in their recently unveiled Long-Term Plan.
Moreover, with the NHS already struggling to meet demand, over two-thirds of people (67%) do not believe GPs have the time and training to effectively diagnose and recommend suitable treatment for patients with mental health problems.
Corporate culture of well being
Mynurva’s research also uncovered the lack of support from employers and the lack of well being focus implemented into company structures and culture.
It revealed that 32% of all UK adults in full-time employment have suffered from mental health problems in the workplace. Of those, 54% are not aware of any formal support structures within their organisation to help with their mental health symptoms.
Time constraints and work pressures emerged as another key issue. Over half (54%) of full-time employees who struggle with problems like anxiety, depression and stress said they struggle to find time in their working day to attend medical appointments. Work commitments forcing 40% of employees to miss one or more scheduled medical appointments in the past.
Worryingly, research found 34% of workers feel their conditions have become more severe in the past 12 months.
Dr Zain Sikafi, CEO and founder of Mynurva, commented on the research findings:
“Mental health is an incredibly serious issue, and while there has been a push by the Government to address the matter, more action is urgently needed. Mental Health Awareness Week is a great initiative that helps encourage awareness, but more action is clearly needed.
“For those full-time workers suffering from symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, the negative stigma surrounding mental health can make it incredibly difficult for suffers to seek help for their conditions. What’s more, it is concerning to see that employees feel they are too busy to be able to leave work and get help for their mental health problems.
“The research shows the need for a fresh approach to mental health, and I encourage employers to review the current systems they have in place to support the wellbeing of their staff. Doing so will not only encourage their employees to access the treatment they need, but also contribute to a more productive, transparent and positive working environment.”
Fast access to private online counseling and therapy
Mynurva is an online platform that connects mental health practitioners with individuals seeking support – it provides fast access to counseling and therapy, at a time that suits the client through live video streaming.
No waiting rooms, no traveling and completely confidential, discrete and secure. Founded by Dr Zain Sikafi, a GP, and launched to market in 2017.
