According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, well being and livelihoods (WHO, World Mental Health Day 2023). A very concerning trend is that mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of young people.
Sapien Labs, an US based research firm, carried out a global mental well being survey covering 71 countries. In the survey, UK is ranked 70th based on mental health quotient (MHQ), which captures perceptions of 47 aspects of mental capability and functioning on a life impact scale (The Mental State of the World in 2023, Sapien Labs).
Mental health can affect your work or how you perform in your job. Working conditions and work environment can have a significant impact on your mental well being. At the same time, your mental health due to non-work related factors (e.g. your personal life, relationships etc) can have an impact on how you perform at work. According to Mental Health Foundation:-
- 1 in 6.8 or 14.7% of workers experience mental health problems in theworkplace
- Women with full-time jobs are nearly twice as likely to have mental health problems as men (19.8% versus 10.9%)
- Evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sick days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions
Mental health problems can reduce your effectiveness at work and can even prevent you from working for prolonged periods. For example, clinical depression can last for several months to well over a year. Unable to work for prolonged periods will result in loss of income, which may worsen mental health problems. The problem iscompounded becauseof the waittime for treatment of mental health problems. According to Royal College of Psychiatrists, nearly a quarter of mental health patients had to wait for more than 12 weeks as on October 2022, which is likely to have worsened in more recent times.
Accident and sickness insurance for mental health related issues
Accident and sickness insurance provides income replacement for the period that you are unable to work due to accident or sickness. Insurance benefits during the period when you do not have income will provide a measure of reprieve in difficult times as you seek medical help for your mental health problems.
Realm Income Protection policy pays monthly income if the policy holder is prevented from earning an income due to accident or sickness. Mental health problems are included in the sicknesses covered by the policy. You can getmonthly benefit up to £2,500 for a maximum period of 12 months.
Realm Income Protection policy also includes access to a suite of digital medical services provided through mobile app by SQUARE HEALTH. Services provided by SQUARE HEALTH include 24/7 access to GP, second medical opinion service, mental health support and physiotherapy services.
Conclusion
Mental health is a serious issue which can affect both your personal and professional life. You should not neglect mental health and seek medical help at the earliest. Income protection insurance can replace part of your income during the period you are unable to work due tomental health problems. Using SQUARE HEALTH digital medical services, you can get access to mental health professionals and begin your journey to recovery.