UK stressed to the point of being ‘overwhelmed or unable to cope’

Mental Health Awareness Week Launch Press Release

Stressed nation:  74% of UK ‘overwhelmed or unable to cope’ at some point in the last year – new study

• 74 percent of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

• 81 percent of women said this compared to 67 percent of men.

• 83 percent of 18-24 year-olds said this compared to 65 percent of people aged 55 and over.

• 32 percent of adults said they had experienced suicidal feelings as a result of stress

• 35 percent of women said this compared to 29 percent of men.

• 39 percent of 18-24 year-olds said this compared to 25 percent of adults aged 55 and over.

•  16 percent of adults said they had self-harmed as a result of stress.

• 18 percent of women said this compared to 13 percent of men.

• 29 percent of 18-24 year-olds said this compared to 6 percent of adults aged 55 and over.

A UK-wide stress survey has found that almost three quarters of adults (74 percent) have at some point over the last year felt so stressed they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

The survey – commissioned by the Mental Health Foundation – also found that almost a third of people (32 percent) had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings because of stress.

Meanwhile one sixth of people (16 percent) said they had self-harmed as a result of feelings of stress.

The study was commissioned from YouGov to launch Mental Health Awareness week which has been run by the Mental Health Foundation since 2001.

The study is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive stress survey ever carried out across the UK with 4619 surveyed.

The study is included in a new report by the Mental Health Foundation published today – Stress – Are We Coping? (Embargoed copies of report available on request)

Further findings from the survey on the impact of stress on young people will be released later in the week. (Wednesday 16^th May)

Mental Health Foundation Director Isabella Goldie said: “Millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our health. Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns.

“Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression. It is also linked to physical health problems like heart disease, problems with our immune system, insomnia and digestive problems.

“Individually we need to understand what is causing us personal stress and learn what steps we can take to reduce it for ourselves and those around us.

“We also need to change at a societal level.  This includes ensuring that employers treat stress and mental health problems as seriously as physical safety.

“We are also asking for well-being days to be provided to public sector workers as part of reducing the pressure on those who work hardest to look after us.”

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• UK survey: Total sample size was 4619 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 29th March – 20th April 2018.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). (YouGov)

As ever, just let me know if you need anything for your awareness week coverage this year!