Two in three Scots may be at risk of stress, charity warns

A mental health charity’s research has revealed more than two thirds of Scottish respondents are not meeting their needs and could be at risk of stress, which can lead to mental health challenges.

The Mental Health Toolkit, the training arm of independent mental health charity Suffolk Mind, has identified 12 emotional and physical needs – including Achievement, Emotional Connection, Sleep, Movement, Security, Attention, Control and Community – we should aim to meet to stay well.

The charity’s validated Emotional Needs Survey reveals that out of 2,367 Scottish respondents, 66% felt they were not meeting their Emotional Needs.

The survey also found that 66% are not feeling rested after sleep, 61% do not feel part of a community and 51% do not feel secure.

Wendy Sheppard, Corporate Relationships Manager at The Mental Health Toolkit, said: “When needs aren’t being met, we feel stress, nature’s way of alerting us that something is wrong.

“Our research shows more and more people in Scotland feel they are not meeting their needs which, as a result, could cause stress and mental ill-health.

“Many of the survey respondents were employed, and we know that our workplace can either support mental health or be a barrier to wellbeing.”

The Mental Health Toolkit provides workplace training through a suite of practical mental health courses for staff, managers, and leadership teams.

Officially launching in Scotland in April through a free breakfast event, The Mental Health Toolkit offers practical skills to support mental wellbeing at work.

The event, at Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club in Kerknewton, near Edinburgh, takes place from 8.30am on Wednesday, April 3.

It will include networking with refreshments, an introduction to The Mental Health Toolkit and a Q&A session.

Wendy added: “Increasing knowledge and awareness of mental health and how to support colleagues is essential within any business or organisation.

“The Mental Health Toolkit gives people powerful tools to help recognise and meet their physical and emotional needs, as well as support those around them.

“We are excited to be officially launching our workplace wellbeing courses to businesses in Scotland, following success in our home county, Suffolk, and across the UK.”

For more information on The Mental Health Toolkit and to book your free place at the event, contact the team.