Since the Covid pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns, people have become more aware of, and more willing to talk about, their mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week, which takes place this month, is testament to this increased openness.
However, poor mental health itself, sadly, has not gone away. The stresses of everyday life, combined with the cost-of-living crisis, are contributing massively to a rise in conditions such as anxiety and depression.
According to the mental-health charity, Mind, one in four people will experience a mental-health problem of some kind each year in England.
A recent study by the Mental Health Foundation found that 73% of the population had felt anxious at least sometimes in the previous two weeks. One in five people (20%) felt anxious most or all of the time.
Toll of the profession
Contemporary research suggests that many financial advisers are not immune. In fact, it reveals they are struggling to cope with the toll the profession is taking on them.
And, while it is unfair to point the finger of blame solely at the increased burden of regulation, the statistics show it is having a profound impact on advisers’ mental health.
