Workplace pressure can affect anyone, regardless of age, experience, or job title. While some stress can drive motivation and boost productivity, excessive pressure can damage a person’s wellbeing, impacting both their mental and physical health.
When Jake, from the East Midlands, found himself facing heightened stress and pressure at work, his mental health started to deteriorate.
With a manager who failed to appreciate his skills, 32-year-old Jake felt overworked, undervalued and his low morale significantly impacted his confidence and self-esteem, making his work environment increasingly difficult to navigate.
Software Engineer Jake began taking occasional days off from work as the stress mounted. Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope his mental health spiralled, leading to depression.
Recognising he needed support, Jake sought help through the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service in April 2024.
Talking through his work struggles with Mental Health Support Service Coach, Wendie Evison, gave Jake the opportunity to reflect on his experiences, helping him to recognise and address the issues he was having.
Reflecting on his feelings when he joined the service, Jake explained: “Wendie gave me the validation to not be okay. I looked forward to our calls and started to gain some clarity. I went from being depressed, anxious and stressed to being able to digest what was happening and address the issues I was experiencing.
“With Wendie’s help and the self-help tools she provided, my mental health steadily improved. I started to believe in myself and my abilities again which helped build my confidence.”
Jake remained in work while he received nine months of support from the service, with his newfound resilience and improved mental health inspiring him to seek and start a new position.
Acknowledging how the service has helped him improve his mental health, Jake said: “The support I received through the service has benefitted me 100%.
“Everything has improved – my career, my health and my perspective. The service has had a lasting impact, helping me understand how to manage my mental health effectively.
“I wholeheartedly recommend the service to anyone struggling with their mental health at work. With their help I’m no longer stressed or depressed, instead I feel stronger and more confident than ever.
"That’s the legacy of the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service."