Many people show up to work every day while silently dealing with anxiety or depression. A survey of working adults in the U.S. and U.K. suggests the problem is far more common than most employers realize, and that many people still don’t feel comfortable asking for help.
What the survey found
The survey of about 2,000 working adults was commissioned by Wysa, a company that makes an AI-based mental health support app, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when reading the results. Still, the findings echo what many workplace studies have reported since the pandemic:
- About 4 in 10 employed adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety or both. That’s far higher than estimates for the adult population overall.
- Most employers don’t know. More than 4 in 10 workers said they had anxiety their employer wasn’t aware of, and 38% said the same about depression.
- People hide it. About 1 in 3 said they had called in “sick” with a physical illness when they actually needed a mental health break, and 1 in 4 used vacation days instead. Another 42% simply pushed through without any break.
- Younger workers struggled most. About half of workers aged 16 to 34 reported moderate to severe depression, compared with about one-third of those nearing retirement.
Many respondents also said they’d feel more comfortable using an app to talk about their mental health than speaking with HR, a manager or a coworker, likely because of privacy concerns. Even so, most still preferred a therapist over an app.
Taken together, the numbers point to a gap between how common these struggles are and how rarely people feel able to raise them at work.
Why people stay silent
Stigma remains a big barrier. Many people worry that admitting to a mental health condition could affect how they’re seen, their chances of promotion or even their job. Others aren’t sure what support is available, or feel their struggles aren’t “serious enough” to mention. The result is that problems often build up until they affect sleep, relationships and performance.
What this means for you
If you’re struggling at work, you’re far from alone. A few steps can help:
- Check your benefits. Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential counseling sessions. Your HR portal or benefits guide will explain how to access it.
- Talk to your doctor. A primary care provider can screen for anxiety and depression and help you find treatment.
- Know your rights. In the U.S., some workers may qualify for job-protected leave or reasonable accommodations for mental health conditions. HR or an employment advisor can explain what applies to you.
- Use breaks well. Short walks, time outside, and protecting your evenings and weekends from work can ease daily stress.
- Lean on people you trust. Talking with a friend, family member or support group can lighten the load.
- Get urgent help if you need it. If you’re in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, in the U.S. you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What employers can do
Workplaces can make a real difference by training managers to recognize signs of distress, making mental health benefits easy to find and use, normalizing mental health days, and making it clear that asking for help won’t count against anyone.
The bottom line
A large share of working adults are dealing with anxiety and depression, often without their employers knowing. Making support easier and less stigmatized to access can help people get the care they need before problems grow.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual needs.
