Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK, said:
“We often hear from people living with mental illness who struggle to access support from their GP. Securing an appointment can be difficult, and even when people are seen, they do not always receive the help they need. We recognise the immense pressure that GPs are under, but what this survey doesn’t reveal is the lack of treatment available to patients alongside fit notes. It’s clear that the system isn’t working, and we must explore other ways to help people stay in work, while ensuring that mental illness is taken seriously and that people can take time off when it’s needed.
“Workplaces have an important role to play in supporting people to stay well and stay in work. One key part of the solution is equipping and upskilling managers so they can better support people to remain in work when they are experiencing mental ill-health, alongside organisations ensuring workloads are manageable and burnout is prevented.
“At the same time, we must celebrate the progress that has been made. Society has moved on from a time when people suffered with mental ill-health in silence. As we approach this issue, we must be careful not to slide backwards into a culture where people are discouraged from seeking support. People living with mental illness must be at the centre of this conversation.”
