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February 24, 2023

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Almost 20 million adults never speak about mental health – and it’s set to get worse due to the cost-of-living crisis

Almost 20 million adults never speak about mental health – and it’s set to get worse due to the cost-of-living crisis, research has revealed.

The research from mental health charity Mind showed 36% of over 16-year-old’s in the UK never make space in their day to speak about mental health and 78% of adults said the cost of living crisis is affecting them.

For those with pre-existing mental health problems, this figure rose to 94% of people who said the cost of living crisis is impacting mental health.

Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “It’s vital we make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Yet so many of us are finding that looking after our mental health has taken a back seat.

“Worryingly we fear stigma if we speak up, we can no longer afford to access the things or places that keep us mentally well, or we don’t want to be a burden on others.

“We know that talking about our mental health and listening to others about their experiences can help us feel less alone, more able to cope, and encouraged to seek support if we need to.”

The charity said the results of the research were ‘worrying’. It showed nearly a fifth (18%) said the cost-of-living crisis is decreasing how often they are able to make space to have a conversation about mental health.

MentalHealth-Security-21Almost half (46%) of respondents said their reason for fewer conversations is that everyone is struggling right now and they don’t want to burden others.

Meanwhile, a quarter of respondents (25%) can’t afford social activities that help them stay mentally well and the same percentage are having to work longer hours due to the rising cost of living so have less free time.

Mind said it was ‘shocking’ that 16% simply can’t afford to contact their support network to have these conversations and 18% can’t afford to travel to their usual support networks in communities.

“Loneliness and isolation”

James Downs, 33, is a yoga teacher from Cambridge who has lived experience of eating disorders, autism, and ADHD.

He finds it very difficult to talk to others about his mental health and has been worrying about money a lot since the cost of living crisis.

He said: “The lack of obvious spaces and people to talk to about mental health has left me feeling even more on my own.

“The loneliness and isolation have played a huge role in keeping me unwell.

“I think having conversations in everyday settings can help prevent things reaching crisis in the first place and direct people to additional help and support if they need it.”

Mind used Time To Talk Day on 2 February as a day to encourage people to talk about their mental health – and listen when others speak in communities, schools, homes, workplaces and online across the UK.

The day was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, See Me with Scottish Association for Mental Health, Inspire and Change Your Mind in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales. It was delivered in partnership with Co-op as part of a shared ambition to reach those who wouldn’t usually engage with mental health support.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation, Co-op, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis, and the ongoing impacts from the pandemic, it’s never been more important for us to be able to talk about how we’re feeling – and making connections in our community can play a key part in this.”

As part of Time to Talk Day 2023 Co-op colleagues, members and customers raised over £8m for Mind, the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Inspire.

The money will pay for mental wellbeing services in over 50 local communities across the UK, which has seen over 22,000 people receive support so far.

Mental health in the security and fire sectors

There is also a growing awareness that mental health and wellbeing are on the increase in the security and fire safety sectors. In December, another mental health charity, Mates in Mind, released data which showed that a third of self-employed construction workers are living with anxiety.

Early findings from the study on the mental health of self-employed construction workers and those working in small firms showed that intense workloads, financial problems, poor work-life balance, and COVID-19 pressures, are combining to significantly raise stress and anxiety levels.

Speaking to IFSEC Global on Mental Health Awareness Day 2022, Mike Hurst, Board Director of IFPO, highlighted the challenges that security operatives faced on a daily basis, with physical and verbal threats often having a detrimental affect on wellbeing.

This year, IFSEC and FIREX, the leading exhibitions in the UK security and fire sector, have partnered with Mates in Mind. The charity will have drop-in sessions on the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and Fire Industry Association (FIA) stands, where visitors can come and talk about how they and their companies can contribute to combatting mental health challenges in the industry.

 

Register today for IFSEC 2023

16-18 May 2023, ExCeL London | IFSEC 2023: Recognising the past, embracing the future

Join thousands of likeminded security and risk professionals at IFSEC 2023 in May, as the UK's largest and longest running security event looks ahead to what's next in the sector as it celebrates its 50th birthday. This year will see the launch of the IFSEC distributor network, while London's new Elizabeth Line makes travel to the venue easier than ever!

You’ll find hundreds of leading exhibitors from the physical and integrated security sector, showcasing all the latest in video surveillance, access control, intruder detection, perimeter protection and software solutions. Join the community and secure your ticket today!

IFSEC-2023

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