Poor mental health affects half of all employees, according to a survey of 44,000 people carried out by the mental health charity Mind.
Only half of those who had experienced problems with stress, anxiety or low mood had talked to their employer about it.
That's something that must change, says Mind.
Fear, shame and job insecurity are some of the reasons people may choose to hide their worries.
Natalie Hunt, 34, from Salford, got her first job at 18. That role was working in a department store, serving customers, but she found it extremely stressful.
"It was dealing with complaints and helping people with queries. I'd had anxiety and depression as a teenager and the full-time job made me really anxious. I began to get shy and withdrawn, going more and more into myself, and I was worried about having a panic attack at work.
"Colleagues started to notice and eventually my boss wanted a word."
Under pressure
Natalie says that at the time, her employer didn't really understand or know what to do. There was no support. She then left the workplace altogether and took up an art course at college.
She now teaches art classes to people with mental health problems, and at a homeless shelter. She also works part-time in an office, even though sometimes she can go through stages of poor mental health.
Natalie says it makes a huge difference when the workplace is supportive - they have flexible hours and regular catch-ups.
"I first started back in the workplace with a bit of voluntary work in a charity shop, which was great. Because it was voluntary and part-time, I didn't feel pressured and it helped me regain some confidence. That was when I was 20.
"Now I run my own art classes for people with mental health conditions. It's lovely to be making a difference."
Mind says around 300,000 people lose their job each year due to a mental health problem.
The charity - along with The Royal Foundation, Heads Together and 11 other organisations - has created an online resource for employers and employees with information, advice, resources and training that workplaces can use to improve wellbeing.
A recent poll by the Institute of Directors found less than one in five firms offered mental health training for managers.
Poor relationships with line managers, along with workload, have the biggest negative impact on employees' mental health, the survey found - closely followed by poor relationships with colleagues.
Latest Stories
-
FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Sundowns, Esperance join Al Ahly and Wydad as CAF representatives
3 hours -
CAFCL: Al Ahly set up historic final with ES Tunis
3 hours -
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
7 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
7 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
8 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
8 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
8 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
9 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
9 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
9 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
10 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
10 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
10 hours -
Ejisu by-election: There’s no evidence of NPP engaging in vote-buying – Ahiagbah
10 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Independent ex-NPP MP’s campaign team warns party against dubious tactics
11 hours