Sahara Care Blog

Third of creative professionals suffer from some form of mental illness

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More than a third of professionals working in the creative sector suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety, according to a new study.

CV Library, which published the report, found that 38.9 per cent of respondents reported some form of mental illness.

Of those who do suffer, 94 per cent said the symptoms have directly impacted on their working life.

Just over a quarter (28 per cent) said they doubt their own abilities, while a similar amount (27 per cent) thought that their working life was “boring”.

Participants also cited poor working relationships, both with senior staff and colleagues.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV Library, said: “While mental health is something we are beginning to talk more about across the UK, it’s clear that there’s still more that needs to be done to help those affected – especially in the workplace. It’s sad to learn that over a third of marketing professionals are suffering from depression and/or anxiety, and that this is having such a negative impact on their ability to do their job.

“If you are among those affected, it’s time to take action. This might not always be easy, but the first step is certainly the hardest. Speak to your manager, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, try to talk to a trusted colleague. You should also seek help outside of work.”

Campaign launched for those living with personality disorder

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Campaigners have called on the Government to provide better treatment for those with personality disorder.

The news comes after reports show a disturbing lack of insight into the condition, despite it being more common than cancer and costing the country around £11 billion each year.

The British Psychological Society and mental health charity Mind said the services offered do not meet the needs of people with personality disorder.

Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “Being diagnosed with personality disorder can be very difficult for all sorts of reasons. There’s also a relatively limited level of public awareness of what personality disorder is, and what it might mean, which in itself can lead to self-blame and self-stigma among people who are diagnosed. This lack of awareness can also extend to family members of those diagnosed with personality disorder, who may be unsure about how best to support their loved one.

“The help available to people is patchy, or there can often be no help, with some people telling us that they are discharged after one-off appointments. There is a limited expectation of ‘recovery’, as the focus is on management of symptoms and behaviour instead. As a result people often feel like they are a problem – to services, their family and themselves.”

Personality disorder can be described by varying symptoms, including impulsive behaviour, problems controlling emotions, and unusual thoughts.

The most recent figures suggest that one in 10 people diagnosed with personality disorder take their own lives.