For more than a quarter (27%) of full-time employees, work is the best place to open up about mental health, according to a poll of more than 5,000 people, conducted by Mind, Co-op, Rethink Mental Illness in England, See Me with SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) in Scotland, Inspire and Change Your Mind in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales.

Despite changes to the work environment as a result of the pandemic, such as more employees spending time working from home, the research finds that being able to chat with colleagues is the most effective way of managing our mental health.

The poll, conducted as part of Time to Talk Day, the nation’s biggest conversation about mental health, also found that more than one in three UK adults surveyed (36%) never make space in their day or the time to speak about their mental health – the equivalent of 19.6 million people aged 16 and over.

In addition, the cost-of-living crisis, on top of the long-lasting impact of the pandemic, is affecting people’s ability to make space and manage their mental health. The mental health of nearly eight in ten Britons (78%) surveyed has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

Worryingly, nearly a fifth (18%) are also reporting the cost-of-living crisis is decreasing how often they are able to make space to have a conversation about mental health. Almost half (46%) of respondents said that their reason for fewer conversations is that everyone is struggling right now and they don't want to burden others.

Previous research by Mind, Rethink Mental Illness and Co-op for Time to Talk Day 2022 found that 39% said that their mental health had got worse since the pandemic. Forty-one per cent of those who experienced their mental health worsening at any point during the pandemic blamed it on money worries. The cumulative effect of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll on the nation’s mental health.

Activities like Time To Talk Day are providing tips and resources for having those conversations. The latest research found that:

• Almost a third (32%) say more knowledge and understanding around mental health would make it easier to talk about mental health (down from 40% in 2022).
• Three in ten would welcome tips to help people start a conversation (30%).
• A fifth (22%) say it would help to have someone in their local community who can offer support with their mental health.

Yet the cost-of-living crisis threatens to significantly hinder our ability to continue with the everyday ways we usually look after our mental health.

Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:

“It’s vital we make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Yet so many of us are finding that looking after our mental health has taken a back seat. Worryingly, we fear stigma if we speak up, we can no longer afford to access the things or places that keep us mentally well, or we don’t want to be a burden on others. We know that talking about our mental health and listening to others about their experiences can help us feel less alone, more able to cope, and encouraged to seek support if we need to.”

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation, Co-op, said:

“With the cost-of-living crisis, and the ongoing impacts from the pandemic, it’s never been more important for us to be able to talk about how we’re feeling – and making connections in our community can play a key part in this. Our research shows a fifth of people rely on their communities for support.”

Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“Talking about our mental health with someone we trust can help us feel less isolated and encourage us to reach out for support. It’s even more important during the difficult times we’re living through.”

Kerry Anthony MBE, Group CEO of Inspire, said:

“This research shows us that people think speaking about mental health is important, but still struggle to do so. There is still a significant degree of stigma around mental health and far too many people of all ages and genders still find it hard to talk about how they are feeling and find support.”