Ben has announced it will be shining a light on loneliness to mark Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK.
Following two years of disruption and periods of social isolation caused by the pandemic, loneliness became, in itself, an epidemic. We were all separated for long periods of time from our wider circles of friends, family and work colleagues. And, even though we are now emerging from the depths of the pandemic, it is clear that many of us have found the social restrictions hugely challenging.
Social anxiety is playing a major role in the rise of loneliness. Naturally, now that COVID restrictions have eased, social interactions are returning to ‘normal’. For many though, a sudden return to socialising is also a daunting prospect. Social anxiety makes it difficult for people to meet socially with others, to reach out for help and to maintain relationships, which contributes to loneliness.
Ben’s recent Health and Wellbeing survey placed this issue in sharp focus. Of those in the automotive industry who were surveyed, 31% confessed to having suffered from loneliness, an increase of 23% from the previous year. Loneliness saw an increase in the over 45s, factory workers, and among those who have retired from the industry. 1 in 2 automotive workers confirmed that they have issues managing their mental health, indicating mental health struggles in the automotive industry are more prevalent than in the general population.
To support those who are struggling with social anxiety and loneliness, Ben has launched a new ‘Space from Social Anxiety’ program on its SilverCloud platform. This has been designed specifically to help people find out about symptoms, understand its causes and develop coping strategies to manage their social anxiety.
The program, as with all of Ben’s SilverCloud programs, is completely free and can be worked through at your own pace in your own time. It uses Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques to develop coping strategies to help deal with life’s challenges.
Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director at Ben, said: “If you suffer from loneliness, you are not alone. Our recent survey highlighted the huge impact that COVID has had on the mental health of our community and loneliness and social anxiety have risen sharply over the past 12 months.
“Our industry is one of the most affected by mental health issues, so we want everyone in the automotive community to know that while they may feel alone, they aren’t. We are here, ready to help and support them through whatever challenges life may be throwing at them right now and in the future.
“Social anxiety and loneliness can be managed and we have a number of ways we can support people who are struggling, including our new SilverCloud program ‘Space from Social Anxiety. During Mental Health Awareness week, we want to reach out to our automotive family and offer them a helping hand. You don’t have to face loneliness or social anxiety alone.”
