The pandemic has taken its toll on UK business leaders, with 38% turning to alcohol or drugs to help them cope with poor mental health, finds research by BUPA Global.
Some 33% of UK business leaders have experienced fatigue, 26% lack of motivation, 26% mood swings and 25% disturbed sleep because of Covid-19 related worries, including about their business, economic recession and protecting the health of loved ones. Some are coping by using cigarettes or vaping, excessive exercise, over or under eating, or gambling.
Despite widespread awareness of the mental health impact of the pandemic, stigmas are still preventing many from seeking the help they need. Two in five board level executives believe that it would damage their reputation if it became known if they were struggling, leading them to delay seeking help. Only one in four have spoken to a medical professional about their mental health problems.
Dr Pablo Vandenabeele, Bupa Global’s clinical director for Mental Health, said: “With complex networks of colleagues, investors, affiliates as well as their own families to consider, it’s no surprise that many [business leaders] have felt that they must ‘keep calm and carry on’, rather than facing up to mental health issues head on.
“But while self-medication can seem like a quick fix solution that may help with anxiety or depression in the short term, it won’t solve the underlying mental health issues and could ultimately make things worse.”
Poppy Jaman, CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance, said: “Leading by example is crucial to breaking the down stigma attached to mental illness. Encouraging compassionate dialogue which leads to positive action is crucial to creating psychologically safe workplace cultures where everyone can flourish. Workplaces that nurture talent, train line managers, put mental health and wellbeing on the Board agenda are building resilient businesses which in turn will be able to face these challenging times.”
The survey results feature in Bupa Global’s Executive Wellbeing Index. The Opinium research was conducted among 450 high net worth individuals in the UK, USA, France, UAE and Egypt, 322 of whom were at board level.