The number of people off work for long periods of time because of mental health problems is on the rise in Coventry and Warwickshire.

New figures from the NHS show that GPs in the area issued “fit notes” for a total of 27,648 episodes of a “mental and behavioural disorder” during 2019 - the equivalent of one every 20 minutes.

These are issued by a GP after a person has already been off work for seven days, and generally certify that the person is not able to work, or only able to work with certain conditions.

The number of fit notes handed out for mental health problems in Coventry and Warwickshire in 2019 is up from 24,962 the year before, and is a 18 per cent increase from 23,366 in 2015, when the figures begin.

Charities say that this may reflect more people struggling with their mental health but it could also be a positive development.

Number of people off work long-term is rising in Coventry and Warwickshire

Laura Peters, head of advice and information services at Rethink Mental Illness, said: “While an increase in people taking time away from work for mental health problems may indicate that more people are struggling with their mental health, it’s not the only explanation behind this increase.

“It may be that people feel more comfortable talking about their mental health and that there’s less stigma around seeking support, which is a positive thing.

“Work-related stress or anxiety is one reason why people may take time away from their mental health, but it’s not the only factor in our mental health.

“In lockdown, people may be experiencing additional stress due to the change in routine, childcare arrangements or financial pressures, and sadly people will be experiencing bereavement in these really unique circumstances too.

“This doesn’t mean we can predict with certainty that more people will need to take time off work – but it reinforces the importance of supporting our colleagues and seeking help by talking to your GP or using your Employee Assistance Programme, if you have one.”

'Stigma is still a big problem'

The Mental Health Foundation also say they often see reports of tummy aches and back pain reduce when companies put in place mental health programmes that make it more acceptable to be open.

However, others warn that attitudes towards mental health are still a problem.

Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at Mind, said: “Stigma is still a big problem in the workplace, with some employees feeling unable to talk about issues such as stress, anxiety or depression.

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“So it is vital employers take mental health seriously, the same way they would if a member of their staff had a physical health problem.

“This means not only permitting people to take sick days if they are experiencing poor mental health, but also actively fostering a culture of openness.

“The government must also play its part in making sure that statutory sick pay is fair, and ensure that those who need it are properly financially supported.”

Lockdown

There are some concerns that our mental health is likely to suffer during the pandemic.

Chris O’Sullivan, head of workplace wellbeing at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “Certainly lockdown presents challenges, whether we are at work, or working from home, or furloughed.

“It’s important employers do more to help at this time – whether by ensuring line management and social things can happen online, being understanding about people’s circumstances for example around caring responsibilities, or increasing access to things like employee counselling and wellbeing benefits.

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“As we come out of lockdown, we’ll need employers to appreciate and address real fears about catching the virus, and realise that there will be a period of adjustment.

“There are also positives – less worry about commuting and time with family are two positives our research has shown.”

Millions of cases in England

Across England, doctors wrote“fit notes” for a total of 9.9 million episodes of illness in 2019, up from 9.4 million in 2018.

The NHS counts “episodes” of illness, which can be covered by more than one “fit note”.

In 9.2 million of those cases, the subject was judged “not fit for work” - and in around a third of those, for at least five weeks.

Mental and behavioural disorders were the most common type of diagnosis requiring a fit note, with more than a million issued for this reason last year.

The number is up from 951,409 cases in 2018, and is an increase of 38 per cent since 2015, when there were 735,885 handed out by GPs.

Most of the fit notes were issued for neurotic and stress-related problems (758,725), but mood disorders such as depression were also a common reason (166,011).