Mental health becoming more accepted as number of sufferers rise

Psychological wellbeing organisation Positive Group has revealed a surge over the past year in the number of people taking an interest in mental health programmes. The group worked with 40% more people in 2016 than the year previous, as the company believes more people are starting to learn and develop their understanding of the importance of mental wellbeing.

The change in national understanding and acceptance could have come as a result of increased employer focus, as many bosses are becoming aware of the negative effects of stress and unnecessary pressure on workers. The organisation claims a reduction in social stigma and a more welcome environment has started the conversation for many sufferers, allowing them to seek help quickly rather than letting feelings build into damaging anxiety, depression and trauma.

The UK loses around 27.5 days of productive time per employee every year due to underperformance or sickness, costing £73 billion to the economy. Positive Group hopes that helping people adjust and accept their mental health can go a long way to helping the employee, the employer, and the economic health of the country, but much more needs to be done to help that.

“As life becomes faster and more challenging, the numbers suffering from stress and anxiety is only set to rise,” warned Positive Group co-founder Dr Brian Marien. “Most businesses are well aware of the business benefits of a healthy workforce but it is the more progressive, enlightened organisations that are taking active steps to reduce the incidence of mental health problems.”