The mental health charity, Mind, has revealed a ‘worrying’ level of stress among primary care staff as its latest report shows almost nine in ten (88 per cent) of 1,000  NHS workers in the sector are experiencing high levels of stress in their work lives.

The psychological impact of workplace stress on primary care workers demonstrates to be significant, with two in five (43 per cent) claiming that workplace stress has led them to resigning or considering resigning from their positions. Furthermore, 21 per cent said it has led them to develop a mental health problem; 8 per cent admit to have had suicidal thoughts; and 17 per cent also said that stress has led to them taking medication for a mental health problem.

Chief executive at Mind, Paul Farmer, commented: “Everyone has mental health that needs looking after and this is just as true for GPs, nurses and their colleagues in primary care. These figures paint a worrying picture, suggesting that levels of stress among primary care staff are having a real impact on both their mental and physical wellbeing.”

He continued: “We need to make sure that health care professionals are well and supported, so they can provide the best care for their patients. Working in primary care doesn’t, however, make it any easier to find the words to talk about your mental health at work. It needs to be ok for primary care staff to talk about it. Like anyone else, they need and deserve support.”

Researchers also found primary care workers are confiding in unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their workplace stress, with 42 per cent drinking alcohol at least once a week to cope with workplace pressure, and 8 per cent smoking every day to cope with the pressure.

 

Learn more about Mind’s ‘Find the Words’ campaign here