'Work pushed me to the edge - but then I got help'

At his lowest, father-of-three Martyn decided his only option was to vanish, leaving his family fearing the worst as they desperately searched for him.

The former public sector worker disappeared after being left feeling like he had nowhere to turn, having been "pushed to the edge" by issues at his workplace.

Then he sought the support of Suffolk Mind, a mental health charity which he credits with turning his life around and without which, he says he "wouldn't be here".

Since then, Martyn, whose depression saw him avoid going outdoors, has been "helped no end" by the charity's Work Well Service, which supports people suffering from work-related mental health challenges.

"I felt ashamed, I didn't want to do anything and felt like everything was my fault, but then an old colleague suggested Suffolk Mind and the Work Well Service," said Martyn.

"I was in a bad place but they treated me with respect, not like how I was being treated, and I've gone full circle and I am actually a volunteer now with Suffolk Mind.

"I wouldn't say I am 100% at the moment but I am not far off it, and, even if I am not in a very good place, I know I can always call them and they will help me out."

Martyn has spoken out after it was revealed Suffolk Mind's helpline received more than 33,000 requests for support in 2024.

Nationally, a record 3.8 million people were treated by England's NHS mental health services between 2023 and 2024.

Mind said its Work Well Service was doing its bit, "working hard" to help as many people as possible overcome mental health struggles inflicted by the world of work.

The 13-week programme has people referred to it every day, and currently has a waiting list of around 40 people in Suffolk, although at its highest that figure has reached 200.

Launched in 2019, it is designed for anyone over the age of 18, whether they are in employment, looking for work, or in education.

People are assigned a case worker, like Nicki Bush, who worked closely with Martyn.

She believed it was crucially important to talk about mental health catalysed by work-related issues, but appreciated it was not always easy.

"It's a really difficult one because I get that employees are worried about talking about their mental health, especially to their managers," she said.

"But it's completely confidential and we look at different ideas and tailored to everyone's needs, as everyone is different.

"We look at their family lives, how they can take care of themselves in the workplace and seek support from colleagues and [see] if their emotional needs are being met.

"It's all about getting to know them and starting a conversation and building a rapport - and then everything opens up."

Case workers go into workplaces of their clients – providing they are happy with that – before working closely with their employers.

Ms Bush added: "90% of the time we are welcomed with open arms but you do get the odd company whose back is raised because they don't want to hear their employees are not happy.

"That is understandable, but we don't go in all guns blazing; we go in and try to raise awareness and suggest different options – it's just a conversation.

"We haven't failed yet."

Martyn, who "can't sing Nicki's praises enough", urged anyone struggling with their mental health to not be afraid to seek help.

"Talk to someone and talk to Suffolk Mind, they will listen to you and they will help," he said.

"Some days, if I start to get a bit anxious, and the training I have had doesn't work out, I can just give them a ring.

"We will meet up for a cup of tea or go and have a bacon sandwich, and then we just go from there."

If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information by heading to BBC Action Line.

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