Working Age People

Adulthood is a time of freedom but also a time of increased challenges and personal responsibility. Social determinants of mental health (see Figure 2) associated with income and social position, for example employment and working conditions, housing and living conditions, have a profound influence on mental health disorders. Those on low incomes and unstable or poor quality work are more likely to suffer depression and anxiety and attempt suicide (see Figure 3); this is a pattern seen across the world. One in six adults will experience a common mental health problem (including anxiety and depression) at any one time, with more women than men affected. 

Being in good work is seen as protective of mental health and wellbeing. However, workplaces can also be a cause of poor mental health due to insecurity in employment, low pay, poor workplace safety, intolerance of ill-health, stressful work, overburden of work, lack of choice and control and so on. Workplaces can support their employees by addressing such issues and providing protected time for training, appraisal and job planning, and support for employees to improve their mental health and wellbeing and build resilience. 

Additional emotional burdens leading to mental ill health can be as a result of relationship breakdown, responsibilities for caring for children or parents and dealing with the loss of loved ones. Risk of mental ill health increases with poor health behaviours such as unhealthy alcohol consumption and substance misuse, which can be used as coping mechanisms. However, the relationship between alcohol and substance misuse and mental health is complex. A high proportion of those with enduring mental health issues have alcohol or substance misuse; and a high proportion of those with severe alcohol and substance misuse (those seeking support from services) have mental health problems.