Last week, the world was engaged in the public health initiative of promoting awareness of mental health – acknowledging its existence, addressing its inhibitors, and opening up conversations that are necessary so that many suffering from mental health problems can unload and bring their struggles into the light.
The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day (observed annually on 10 October) was ‘Mental health in the workplace’. After all, common disorders such as depression and anxiety can impact our ability to work. In fact, a study led by the World Health Organisation published in April 2016 estimated that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1trn each year in lost productivity.
Looking closer to home, an Opinion Matters survey of 2,000 people across the UK and Ireland, commissioned by Aramark Northern Europe, found that 53.4pc have experienced or are experiencing some type of mental illness, including depression, anxiety and panic disorders.