Over a third of marketing professionals driven to depression & anxiety through work
A new survey has highlighted the full extent of a mental health crisis in the marketing industry with the finding that more than a third (38.9%) of marketers are suffering from symptoms of depression and anxiety with work being the single greatest contributor and 61.1% attributing their fragile state of mind to the office.
More than a third of marketers suffer depression according to CV Library research
Compiled by online jobs board CV Library, the findings paint a grim picture of life in the sector. It found that 94% of marketing professionals with depression or anxiety can see these issues impair their working life.
Of 1,200 workers quizzed about which factors led them to feeling anxious or depressed, some 28.4% doubted their own abilities, while 27.3% thought that their working life was ‘boring’. Other factors to negatively impact on mental health were working alone, cited by 26.2% of respondents, a poor relationship with the boss (18.3%) and a failure to get along well with colleagues (18.1%).
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.”
Those that do find the courage to speak up may be disappointed by the help on offer however, with 44.4% observing that their employer does nothing to help those with mental health issues.
World Mental Health Day was marked in October by mental health organisation BeyondBlue, which launched the 'know when anxiety is talking' ad campaign.