Employees far more likely to talk about physical ailments than mental health

Employees are three times more likely to talk about common physical illnesses and problems than they are to discuss mental health, a new survey by the charity Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) has found.

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Only about one in 10 workers would feel comfortable speaking about self-harm, postnatal depression, eating disorders, psychosis or schizophrenia, according to MHFA, whose study, released today, marks the start of the UK’s Mental Health Awareness Week.

The week, which runs from today until Sunday 19 May, was first launched in 2001. This year’s theme is body image and seeks to encourage people to think positively about their bodies while raising awareness of all mental health issues.

MHFA’s study shows that while almost 40 per cent of employees would talk to their bosses about cancer, only 12 per cent would discuss bipolar disorder with them.

The research, which was commissioned by MHFA and media firm Bauer Media UK, also revealed that Britons would rather talk about diarrhoea than depression.

The MHFA today launched a “workplace manifesto” which calls for company leaders to strive for workplace wellbeing and to create environments where mental health can be talked about.

Simon Blake, chief executive of MHFA said: “Despite the increased awareness around mental health in the workplace, employees are telling us that there is still a significant gap in how we think and act about physical and mental health at work.”

Paul Keenan, president of Audio Bauer Media Group, said: “Our manifesto is a call for change: a call for fellow employers and MPs to join us in striving to do more for mental health care in the workplace for the benefit of our people and our businesses.”