Two-thirds of Brits don’t think GPs have the time or training to effectively treat mental health problems, and 34 per cent of UK workers with mental health issues feel their condition worsened in 2018.
These are the results of a new study from healthtech startup Mynurva.
The Kent-based company, which offers access to therapists via video call, commissioned an independent, nationally-representative survey among more than 2,000 UK adults.
The survey found that 68 per cent of Britons do not think the Government is doing enough to support people in the UK with mental health problems.
It also reports that over two-thirds do not believe GPs have the time and training to effectively diagnose and recommend treatment for patients with mental health problems.
Time constraints and work pressures emerged as another key issue. Over half (54 per cent) of full-time employees who struggle with problems like anxiety, depression and stress said they struggle to find time in their working day to attend medical appointments.
The report suggests that work commitments have forced 40 per cent of employees to miss one or more scheduled medical appointments in the past.
“Mental health is an incredibly serious issue, and while there has been a push by the Government to address the matter, more action is urgently needed,” said Dr Zain Sikafi, CEO and founder of Mynurva.
“For those full-time workers suffering from symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression, the negative stigma surrounding mental health can make it incredibly difficult for suffers to seek help for their conditions.
“What’s more, it is concerning to see that employees feel they are too busy to be able to leave work and get help for their mental health problems.”
The results were shared as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which begins today.