UK records 8 million mental health sick days in 2026

This worrying milestone falls during the Mental Health Foundation’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year looks to encourage people to take “action” to support their mental health. Our mental health is shaped by the environments and circumstances in which we live, and employers can play a huge role in supporting their employees with their mental wellbeing and preventing mental health problems from worsening. 

Raising awareness is vital, but real change comes when we act as well. Simplyhealth and the Mental Health Foundation are encouraging people to take action to improve their own mental health, support that of others, and call on the government and those in power to tackle the root causes of mental ill-health in the UK.

Research by Simplyhealth conducted this year found that nearly a third (30%) of employees reported experiencing depression or anxiety in the previous 12 months, with a further one in four (25%) reporting stress or burnout.

Of those who went on to take sick leave for anxiety or depression, an average of 7.1 days was taken, while those with stress and burnout took 5.9 days.

The research showed that poor mental health affects employees across age groups, but that younger employees are significantly more likely to take time off for mental health issues, with around one in five 18–34-year-old employees reporting taking time off for anxiety or depression (20%) and stress or burnout (21%) in the past year. This is compared to around one in twenty employees aged 55 and over reporting taking time off for anxiety or depression (7%) and stress or burnout (4%) in the past year.

However, younger workers were more likely to take shorter periods of absence for mental health – averaging 5.5 days if the experienced anxiety and depression and 3.8 days if they experienced stress and burnout –  While employees aged 55+ took an average of 9.7 days off work if they experienced anxiety and depression and 10.3 days if they experienced stress and burnout. 

Dr Macarena Studenmaier Keglevich, Head of Clinical Product and Operations at Simplyhealth advises: “Eight million sick days by mid-May isn’t a wellness statistic, it’s a public health signal. As a clinician, what strikes me is that mental health isn’t something that happens to people in isolated moments, it’s built or eroded through the everyday. Sleep, connection, time outdoors, being able to say ‘I’m not okay’ without fear of professional consequences – these aren’t nice-to-haves. Consistent habits protect mental health far more effectively than crisis-point intervention. 

“What our data shows this year is stark – nearly a third of employees experienced depression or anxiety in the past 12-months, and younger workers are bearing a disproportionate share of that burden. Building a culture where people feel safe to talk about their mental health before they hit crisis point isn’t a benefit perk. It has to be a condition of a functioning workplace. 

“And when employers do invest in mental health support, access to it must be barrier-free and simple. That means being clear and specific about what’s available, not burying it in an online benefits portal, and making sure no-one has to navigate a complicated referral process when they are already struggling.” 

Alexa Knight, director of policy at​​ the Mental Health Foundation, added: “A mentally healthy workplace can be a positive and meaningful part of our lives. It provides structure and routine, fosters connection with others, supports our independence, our ability to care for loved ones, and to make a contribution through our working lives. 

“However, our work can also be a cause of distress; managing a demanding workload and unrealistic expectations, a lack of support from our manager, working excessive hours to meet these needs at the detriment of rest and obtaining a work-life balance.  All of these factors breed a toxic workplace culture that can contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety and burnout – ultimately resulting in poor mental health and an inability to work. 

“This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is focused on action. We want to see employers take tangible steps to support their staff; equipping managers with the skills they need to support their teams, and creating environments where employees feel empowered and safe to speak openly about what they need to work well and stay well.” 

The Mental Health Foundation has shared suggested actions to help support and protect mental health:

• Plan something to look forward to – Making plans for something that we enjoy can increase our sense of hope. Whether it’s a big or small goal, the important thing is to plan it.

• Eat well – A healthy balanced diet, like staying hydrated or having fruit snacks, can support your emotional health.

• Get closer to nature – Spending time outdoors, like taking a quick walk, or simply sitting in a green space can lower stress levels and improve concentration.

• Get good quality sleep – A good sleep helps your brain to work better, lifts your mood and is good for your overall health.

• Get creative – Creative activities like painting or listening to music can help ease stress and anxiety.

• Move regularly – Moving actively, from walking to yoga to cleaning, can boost your boost and raise your self-esteem.

• Try mindfulness – Aim to take a moment to be present to notice the things around you like the  colour of the sky and the sound of leaves – this can make a positive difference to how you feel and how you approach challenges.

• Make time for friends – Catching up with friends can make you feel like you belong, allow you to share experiences and receive emotional support when you need it.

• Be kind to yourself – Try not to beat yourself up if you are struggling to cope but celebrate the small victories. 

• Talk things through with someone you trust – Talking to a loved one can feel like a relief and make us feel supported and less alone.

In response to the escalating challenge of poor mental health, earlier this year Simplyhealth announced a £3 million partnership with three leading UK mental health organisations: The Mental Health Foundation, Mental Health First Aid England, and Mental Health Innovations – the charity behind the Shout crisis text service. Over the next three years, Simplyhealth and the organisations will be working together to expand access to proactive mental health support across workplaces and communities, ensuring people can reach help when they need it most.

To support its members, Simplyhealth provides fast 24/7 mental health support and counselling, health cash plans and a range of pay-as-you-go services – from open ended therapy, to coaching and neurodiversity assessments. No GP referral or pre-approval is needed, and all pre-existing conditions are covered. As a business with no shareholders, Simplyhealth is committed to its purpose of improving access to healthcare for all in the UK, reinvesting its profits to make healthcare more accessible for everyone. Simplyhealth continually evolve and improve the services it delivers and throughout 2026 it will look at how it can evolve its mental health proposition, working together with its partners.