Summarise and discuss the presentations of mental health in the two newspaper articles given in Appendix 1. (1500 words).
1. Summaries of cited media
“Tackling Mental Health Problems in a Downturn” (Gill, Trevelyan, The Times, 30th September 2009)
This article, written by the Head of Good Practice at ACAS, suggests that despite the difficulties in accurately diagnosing mental health problems, the government has calculated that mental health related sickness is costing the UK economy £26 Billion per year.
This is increasing during the economic downturn, primarily due to the fear of loss of jobs.
Consequently, government agencies are working with employers to help reduce the causes of mental health, including the Health and Safety Executive who have introduced management standards to reduce stress at work.
Conclusion – “there needs to be a big attitude change in the way we view mental health…...given that up to 1 in 4 will suffer from mental health problem….it is an issue workplaces can no longer ignore”.
Stiff Upper Lip Culture blamed as British men top the Euro depression league. (Jenny Hope, Daily Mail 1st May 2008).
A study of mental illness in six countries, by Professor Michael King, found that the rate of major depression and panic syndrome was highest among males in the UK. Professor Cary Cooper from British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, suggests traditional British cultural patterns and long working hours means men are less able to talk about their problems than women or express their emotions so become less emotionally intelligent than women.
Mental illness and stress are now the most common reasons for claiming incapacity benefit, but there is effective treatment available for depression and anxiety.
2. Further discussion
Some areas of the media are suggesting that after Swine Flu, the UK is facing a new threatening pandemic, depression and stress. Alarming statistics, like those above,
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