What is mental health? What it means, common conditions and mental health at work

Why mental health is important

The NHS says we all have times when we feel low, anxious or overwhelmed. When low mood lasts, it can start to affect everyday life. HSE says anxiety and depression are often a reaction to a difficult life event, such as bereavement, but can also be caused by work, and problems at work can bring on symptoms or make them worse.

Common mental health conditions

The NHS lists more than 30 mental health conditions, including:

• depression
• anxiety and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• bipolar disorder
• panic disorder and phobias
• eating disorders

The NHS list also includes stress, which it describes as a natural response to pressure. HSE says prolonged stress can lead to physical and mental ill health, including anxiety and depression.

Mental health at work

HSE's latest figures, for 2024/25, show 964,000 workers in Great Britain suffering from work-related stress, depression or anxiety, and 22.1 million working days lost because of it. HSE says employers have a legal responsibility to help employees whether work is causing a mental health issue or making it worse. Work-related mental health risks must be assessed like any other health and safety hazard, and where a risk is found, steps must be taken to remove or reduce it as far as reasonably practicable.

Signs someone may be struggling

HSE says a change in the way someone acts, thinks or feels can be a sign of stress, for example:

• taking more time off or arriving later
• mood swings or being withdrawn
• loss of motivation, commitment and confidence
• being more tearful, sensitive or aggressive

HSE advises managers to talk to the person early, as early action can prevent them becoming more unwell, and to encourage them to see their GP. These signs can also be symptoms of other conditions.

Getting help

If someone's life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, the NHS says to call 999 or go to A&E now. For urgent help that is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online or call 111 and select the mental health option. You can call Samaritans free on 116 123. You can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression in England without a diagnosis. Our guide on how to get help with mental health covers the options.

Training

Lift College Mental Health Awareness Training is 1 hour in 6 modules, for every employee plus managers and team leaders, with a CPD Standards Office accredited certificate the same day you pass.