Leap in men’s sick days for mental health

MEN are declaring almost 50 per cent more of their sick days as being for mental health reasons, in the wake of celebrities and members of the Royal family speaking out about their own struggles.

Sickness absence data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that 17.5 million sick days were taken by workers who cited mental health conditions – including stress, depression and anxiety – last year, representing 12.4 per cent of the total. Men took 9.1 million days off.

Minor illnesses were the most common reason given for absence, accounting for 38.5 million days lost (27.2 per cent), followed by musculoskeletal problems, which cost 27.8 million days (19.7 per cent). About 19.4 million days (13.7 per cent) were lost for “other” reasons, including accidents, poisonings and diabetes.

The share of men’s overall sick days that were taken for mental health reasons rose from 5.7 per cent in 2017 to 8.5 per cent, while among women it rose from 8.1 to 8.8 per cent.

The increase in men citing mental health for sick days has been attributed to a cultural shift around the stigma of such conditions.

Last month, the Duke of Sussex and Ed Sheeran, the musician, collaborated on a “gingers unite” video for World Mental Health Day.

The Duke spoke about his battle with depression in an interview with The Daily Telegraph in 2017, when he disclosed how he had struggled to come to terms with the death of his mother.

Simon Gunning, of the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm), said: “Whilst it paints a concerning picture on some levels, it’s very promising to note that more people are feeling empowered and able to identify their own mental health issues and to seek support when they’re going through a tough time.

“As conversation and awareness of issues surrounding mental health and the workplace continues to grow, it’s crucial that systems and support are put in place to help people.”

An estimated 141.4 million working days were lost to sickness or injury in 2018, the equivalent to 4.4 days per worker – a rise from 4.1 days in 2017, the lowest on record, but well below the 7.1 days recorded in 1993.