Healthcare trust provider Healix Health has reported a 10% increase in mental health-related support queries in the weeks following Mental Health Awareness Week in both May 2023 and May 2024. The spike highlights the positive impact of awareness campaigns in encouraging employee engagement with mental health services.
However, Healix warns that such momentum can fade quickly, and consistent support throughout the year is essential. The findings, based on thousands of employee interactions with Healix’s Mind Right platform—a digital triage and wellbeing service—show that inquiries related to stress, burnout, and access to counseling surged during the awareness weeks. Yet, by June, these levels returned to baseline figures.
The data also revealed a 30% rise in mental health enquiries on ‘Blue Monday’, the third Monday in January, over the last two years, compared to other days in the month.
Ian Talbot, CEO of Healix Health, stated: “Our data suggests that campaigns like Mental Health Awareness Week and Blue Monday are effective in encouraging employees to seek help. However, after an initial surge, interest tends to decline. Mental health isn’t seasonal, and it’s crucial that employers respond with ongoing, year-round support.”
This comes as the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that stress, depression, and anxiety were responsible for the majority of work-related health issues in 2023/24, leading to 16.4 million lost workdays. Meanwhile, a report from Mental Health UK found that nine out of ten individuals experienced high or extreme stress levels in the past year.
Talbot emphasized the need for businesses to integrate mental health support into daily operations. He suggested measures such as manager training, regular internal campaigns, and round-the-clock access to mental health services. “A comprehensive strategy helps companies prevent issues, address them early, and support recovery—benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole,” he added.
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