One third of UK professionals suffer from depression or anxiety, and work is a key contributor

Over a third (35.2 percent) of the nation’s workers are suffering from mental health issues, with four in 10 (42.9 percent) admitting that their job is a key contributor to these feelings. That’s according to a survey from job site CV-Library which claims that for 70.6 percent of those that suffer, their depression or anxiety can sometimes have a negative effect on their working life, while a further 17.9 percent said it always negatively impacts their working life.

When asked what it is about their job that makes them feel this way, professionals cited the following as the top causes:

• Doubting their abilities – 34.6 percent
• Having a boring job – 26.6 percent
• Not getting on with their boss – 22.6 percent
• Working alone – 17.8 percent
• Working with customers/clients – 17 percent

Furthermore, respondents revealed the negative impact that depression and anxiety has on their ability to do their job. For the majority (47.4 percent), it makes them dread going in to work. After this, 24.2 percent said it makes them feel tired, 8 percent said it causes them to take time off and 7.4 percent said it means they don’t really speak to their colleagues.

According to the report, over a third (37.7 percent) of professionals revealed that their employer does not do anything to help those that suffer from these mental health issues, and a further 38.4 percent said that they were unsure whether their boss would help them if they needed it. Other findings include:

• The majority (88.4 percent) believe that employers should be given training to help them understand mental health
• A third (32.7 percent) believe that organising regular one-to-one catch ups could help employers to support staff who are suffering
• After this, 26.8 percent believe paid mental health days (time off) could help, and 19.8 percent said they’d appreciate professional help being offered through their employer