The report says that more than a third fear consequences if they share any of their mental struggles with bosses.

According to the study, conducted by therapist matching website TherapyFinders, 37% of those in employment believe that bosses may think them unstable or unreliable as a member of staff if they confide mental issues.

The state of the nation’s mental health has been revealed through the research, showing a number of struggles for adults in the UK, including anxiety (39%), depression (33%) and low self-esteem (28%).

Further, the research found that challenging mental experiences are affecting people’s sleep (62%), ability to enjoy life (48%) and their relationships (47%). However, a significant seven in 10 (70%) have never received professional help from a therapist or counsellor for their troubles.

When it comes to reasons why adults haven’t reached out for professional support, the research found, the main put-offs are the cost of doing it (27%), not thinking their issues are serious enough to get help (21%), and finally not feeling comfortable enough talking to a stranger about their problems (20%). Instead, a third (34%) turn to reading books to improve their mental health, with a further 24% turning to gardening and the same amount “plastering on a smile (even when they’re not feeling like it)”, TherapyFinders said in a statement.

The research also found “70% of workers do not know how to access any mental health support that could be available to them.”

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