As one in four workers report feeling unable to cope with stress at work , it’s clear many of us are carrying more than we should.
April marks stress awareness month, and for this year’s theme The Stress Management Society is calling on people to #BeTheChange.
They are asking all of us to use our own minds, our choices, and our connections to create real change in addressing the problem of stress because when it comes to health, mental wellbeing is often overlooked.
If we had a persistent cough or recurring pain, we’d probably go and get it checked.
But feeling overwhelmed or anxious? That often gets pushed aside. The truth is that mental health needs the same level of care and attention.
A little stress can be helpful as it’s the body’s reaction to when we feel threatened or under pressure, nudging us in the right direction.
But too much for too long can affect our mood, our body, and our relationships especially when it feels out of our control.
Experiencing long-term pressure or severe stress can lead to feeling physical, mental and emotional exhaustion, often called “burnout” which can lead to taking time off work.
As the latest data shows, nearly 10% of UK adults took time off for mental health reasons in 2024, with almost half of these absences lasting a month or longer.[1]
But having private health cover can mean you don’t have to make the choice between your career and your health.
Being the change can start with taking your own health seriously and making sure support is there when you need it.
Stress can take a toll on your physical health too — especially when you’re stuck waiting and worrying about how long treatment might take.
So, knowing that fast, reliable care is available can provide real peace of mind.
Almost four in 10 people said they have felt low, stressed or anxious because of problems they have experienced with the NHS.[2]
[1] Mental health: Call for OH ‘hub’, as one in 10 took time off work
[2] Patients ‘feel stressed’ over waiting for NHS treatment due to GP and hospital waits
But a medical plan from HMCA can help you #BeTheChange when it comes to stress.
With our HMCA Plus Plan upgrade you can get 24/7 access to private GP consultations, and expert helplines covering mental wellbeing, nutrition, sleep, physical health, and more.
Find out more about how we can help you #BeTheChange when it comes to stress by contacting our friendly team on 01423 799949 or visiting hmca.co.uk.
Key Stats:
- 1 in 4 workers report feeling unable to cope with stress at work[1]
- Nearly 91% of employees have faced high stress or workplace pressure in the past year[2]
- Almost four in 10 Britons have felt low, stressed or anxious because of problems they have experienced with the NHS[3]
- 63% of UK employees now showing symptoms like exhaustion and disengagement[4]
- Nearly 10% of UK adults took time off for mental health reasons in 2024[5]
- Work-related mental health issues now cost the UK economy £57.4 billion each year, nearly doubling in recent years[6]
📌 This content is for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to a medical professional to discuss any concerns or specific circumstances.
[1] World Mental Health Day: making workplaces more mindful
[2] https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/burnout-report-2025-reveals-generational-divide-in-levels-of-stress-and-work-absence/
[3] Patients ‘feel stressed’ over waiting for NHS treatment due to GP and hospital waits
[4] Key workplace mental health statistics for 2024 · MHFA England
[5] Mental health: Call for OH ‘hub’, as one in 10 took time off work
[6] Mental health: Call for OH ‘hub’, as one in 10 took time off work
Be the change
Take control of your health with support you can rely on.