Under pressure: Majority of Brits now suffer mental health issues

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Joanne Swann
A person sits reading on a white sofa in a dimly lit room, nurturing their mental health while surrounded by a window and framed pictures on the walls.

Two-thirds of Brits1 say they are feeling stressed while a third are suffering from poor mental health – with women and Gen Z (people ages 18-24 years) suffering the most.  

That’s according to a new study by health benefits provider Cigna Healthcare, which involved more than 10,000 adults in 11 markets around the world.

The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2024 reveals that 67% of the country currently feels stressed, with key reasons including the cost of living (44%), uncertainty about the future (40%), personal finances (35%), and workload (21%).

The resultant pressure is leading to a range of debilitating effects, including disrupted sleep (60%), difficulty concentrating (44%), feelings of depression (35%) and increased forgetfulness (31%).

The research from Cigna Healthcare, International Health also finds:

  • About a third (33%) of the nation1is suffering poor mental health which rises to almost half (47%) of Gen Z, while men report better mental health than women (46% v 32%).
  • Almost two-thirds (71%) found it difficult to motivate themselves over the past month.
  • Over half (51%) expressed a sense of hopelessness about the future over the past month with ‘nothing to look forward to.’
  • A third (32%) say world politics and conflict around the globe contribute to making them feel stressed.

Wendy Sherry, CEO, Global Health Benefits, International Health, Cigna Healthcare said:

Our latest research reveals a concerning trend of declining mental health in the UK fueled by high stress levels, with potentially devastating long-term consequences. Employers have a unique opportunity to help support higher levels of workforce vitality and reduce societal health challenges – while positively impacting their bottom line by broadening their focus beyond physical and mental considerations alone, recognising there are multiple pathways to achieving overall vitality and that diverse populations have unique needs.

Wendy Sherry, CEO, Global Health Benefits, Cigna Healthcare 

The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2024 findings underscore how low vitality and well-being is often rooted in a lack of financial resources, which hinder the ability to address health issues. For those with low vitality, this is also compounded by a lack of essential support networks, which can further exacerbate health challenges.

Conversely, those with high vitality demonstrate a stronger inclination to address health concerns through proactive treatment.

Other key findings include:

  • High levels of social well-being reflect desire for connection: Social well- being has been on an upward trend since 2021, with 38% of respondents rating their social well-being as excellent or very good this year (vs 28% in 2021). Two in three respondents (64%) expressed that their family has usually supported them through life, while around half (49%) said they frequently talk to their family or partner about how they feel.
  • Physical, social, and mental health are key to vitality: Poor mental health, including high stress, and poor physical health, are key factors associated with lower vitality levels and should therefore be primary focuses for action.
  • High vitality individuals better manage their health: Those with higher vitality are more confident in managing their health, with 94% expressing optimism, compared to just 20% of low vitality individuals.
Joanne Swann, Content Manager, WorkWellPro
Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website |  + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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