Milton Keynes councillor encourages people to speak up about hidden stress
A Milton Keynes councillor has encouraged people to speak up about hidden stress after figures showed that nearly one million workers across England, Scotland and Wales experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in one year.
Cllr Wing Tsang, a Liberal Democrat councillor who represents the Broughton & Moulsoe ward, was appointed as Milton Keynes City Council’s mental health champion earlier this year.
Cllr Tsang issued the appeal to coincide with Stress Awareness Day, marked yesterday (November 4), after figures from the Health and Safety Executive showed that more than one million workers experienced work-related stress, depression or anxiety in a single year.
Cllr Tsang said: “Stress can affect anyone. Someone can be meeting deadlines, helping others and looking after their family all while struggling themselves.
“You don’t have to reach breaking point before asking for help. Talking to someone you trust and saying ‘I’m finding things difficult’ can be a first step.
“I want Milton Keynes to be a city where people feel comfortable asking for support and know their concerns will be taken seriously.
“It’s the people who make Milton Keynes such a great place, and we all have a part to play in looking out for one another.
“Behind every busy day is a person trying to do their best. Take a moment to check in with those around you, ask how they’re feeling and make time to listen.”
Meanwhile, a new Crisis Text Support Service has launched across Milton Keynes, in a bid to provide people with mental health support.
Funded by the National Health Service, the channel aims to provide free confidential support via SMS, WhatsApp and online chat, and operates 24/7.
You can access support by texting the word SOS to 80899, sending a WhatsApp message to 0800 884 0655 or through this Webchat link.