Spotlight on Mental Health

The total cost of mental health problems in England has been estimated at £32 billion. More than a third of this cost (almost £12 billion) is attributed to lost employment and productivity related to schizophrenia, depression, stress and anxiety. Over 91 million working days are lost to mental ill health every year. Half of the days lost through mental illness are due to anxiety and stress related conditions.

(Mental Health Foundation, 2006)

What types of treatment are recommended?

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Department of Health recommend the availability of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for common and severe mental health problems. Specific medications are also recommended for more severe mental health problems or alongside therapy in some cases.

What does this mean to me?

If you are an employer, did you know employers have a statutory duty to ensure stress related illnesses are adequately risk assessed and managed under Health & Safety legislation¹. Education together with therapy can pay dividends in providing employees with mental health support and employers with piece of mind that occupational mental health problems are safely and effectively managed.

If you are a solicitor, insurance company or case management firm, then CBT can form part of a holistic care package. CBT is evidence based, time limited and teaches self help, in order to assist individuals return to a state of balance.

If you are a public sector organisation or NHS commissioning body then CBT can form part of a stepped care approach to the management of mental health problems.

¹ Health & Safety Executive (2007)

Accreditations

Advice/Information given on this site does not replace any advice or diagnosis given by your Physician (GP, Psychiatrist etc). UFP Mental Health is a wholly self funded organisation. We do not represent the interests of, or receive any funding or sponsorship from, any commercial organisations, partners, or sponsors. Although this web site may display advertisements, UFP Mental Health is not influenced, nor has it any commercial links, with those companies whose advertisements may appear on this web site. UFP Mental Health is also not responsible for the content of the web sites of those companies whose advertisements may be displayed.

Accreditations

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Last site update: 19th January 2010