View from the AOP: Time to listen

Hundreds of events took place across the country between the May 8-14 for Mental Health Awareness Week. The Mental Health Foundation campaign had the theme ‘Surviving or Thriving’ to kick-start the conversation.

In conjunction with the week, the Mental Health Foundation announced survey results from 2,000 people across the UK in which two-thirds said they had experienced mental ill-health at some point.

Statistics from the organisations suggest mental health problems are on the rise – with the World Health Organisation reporting an 18% rise in cases of depression from 2005-15.

One of the overwhelming messages we hear is of the power of conversation in alleviating pressure – the ability to talk openly and free from stigma. Therefore, it is disappointing that a survey conducted by Comres, earlier this month, showed 49% of adults are unlikely to discuss anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder with their employer.