The Case for Early, Ongoing Mental Health Support
We back up our files. We brush our teeth. We service our cars. Not because something is broken, but because we want to protect what matters.
Mental health should work the same way.
What is mental health really about?
Mental health isn’t just about illness it’s about how we think, feel, and cope with everyday life. It shapes how we show up at work, how we relate to others, and how we handle pressure or change.
Some days that might mean feeling calm and focused. Other days it means feeling overwhelmed, distracted, or like you are just surviving rather than living. Mental health fluctuates, just like physical health does. And like with physical health, early attention makes a big difference.
When people struggle with their mental health, it can affect relationships, concentration, communication, decision-making, confidence and self-esteem.
The silent struggle in many workplaces
In most businesses, people are carrying a lot quietly – deadlines, change, personal stress. It’s not always clear who is coping and who is close to burnout. And the reality is that many employees simply don’t feel able to tell their manager they are struggling.
There is still stigma. There is often fear of being seen differently or not being taken seriously. Add to that long NHS waiting lists and pressure to carry on, and it’s easy to see why people stay silent until things get worse.
That is why early support matters. It’s not about waiting for a crisis. It is about noticing what is going on and offering ways for people to feel supported and resourced.
Mental health affects every business
According to research, around one in three employees* will experience a mental health issue in any given year. That means it is already likely to be in your workplace, whether you know about it or not.
The cost of poor mental health to UK employers is estimated at £42 billion* each year. That includes absence, reduced productivity, and staff turnover. But the good news is that for every £1 spent on mental health support, businesses can see a return of around £5*. Because early support works. It helps people stay in work, perform better, and feel more valued.
What does early support look like?
Early support does not have to be complicated. It could be as simple as creating opportunities and safe spaces for people to talk. It might mean having access to a confidential session with a trained professional. Or learning a new way to cope with stress, manage uncertainty, or understand why they are feeling the way they do.
When people feel heard, validated, and supported before things escalate, they are far more likely to recover well. They are more likely to feel safe and able to keep contributing at work.
We don’t wait for our laptops to crash before we hit save. Let’s not wait for our people to burn out before we act.
Thrive in Mind is a psychology-led workplace mental health service offering early, evidence-based support to businesses and their teams.
If you ever need advice or a conversation about where to start, we are always happy to help.
www.thriveinmind.org | contactus@thriveinmind.org / 07935 618732
*Mental Health Foundation. (2023) Mental health at work: statistics. Available at: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/statistics/mental-health-work-statistics
Deloitte. (2017) Mental health and employers: refreshing the case for investment. Available at: https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/consulting
/articles/mental-health-and-employers-refreshing-the-case-for-investment.html