Two in five professionals in Wales are suffering from mental health issues, with 48.3 per cent admitting that their job is a key contributor to these feelings.

That’s according to the latest research from CV-Library, an independent job site.

As the post-Christmas blues set in and the cold days continue, the survey of 1,200 workers sought to reveal how mental health affects professionals.

The study found that for 80.8 per cent of those in Wales that suffer, their depression or anxiety can sometimes have a negative effect on their working life, while a further 15.4 per cent said it always negatively impacts their working life.

When asked what it is about their job that makes them feel this way, professionals in Wales cited the following as the top causes:

1. Doubting their abilities – 34.5 per cent

2. Not getting on with their boss – 27.6 per cent

3. Having a boring job – 18.1 per cent

4. Working with customers/clients – 17.2 per cent

5. Working alone – 17 per cent.

Furthermore, respondents in Wales revealed the negative impact that depression and anxiety has on their ability to do their job.

For the majority (51 per cent), it makes them dread going in to work.

After this, 25 per cent said it means they don’t really speak to their colleagues and 23.9 per cent said it means they take a lot of time off.

Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, said: “While mental health is something we are beginning to talk more about across the UK, it’s clear that there’s still more that needs to be done to help those affected – especially in the workplace. It’s sad to learn that one in three professionals in Wales are suffering from depression and/or anxiety, and that this is having such a negative impact on their ability to do their job.

“If you are among those affected, it’s time to take action. This might not always be easy, but the first step is certainly the hardest.

"Speak to your manager, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing that, try to talk to a trusted colleague. You should also seek help outside of work. Mental health problems are unfortunately something we can’t always escape, but there are steps we can take to make tackling these issues that little bit easier – no-one should have to suffer in silence!”

Worryingly, 36.7 per cent of professionals in Wales revealed that their employer does not do anything to help those that suffer from these mental health issues, and a further 38.3 per cent said they were unsure whether their boss would help them if they needed it. Other findings include:

• The majority (91.7 per cent) of those in Wales believe that employers should be given training to help them understand mental health

• A third (32.1 per cent) said they’d appreciate professional help being offered through their employer

• After this, 24 per cent believe paid mental health days (time off) could help, and 16.2 per cent said organising regular one-to-one catch ups could help employers to support staff who are suffering

Biggins said: “If you are able to make your manager aware of what you’re going through, you can begin to put steps in place to help; whether that be regular catch-ups, more flexible working or time off when you need it.

If your boss won’t help you to take positive steps, or isn’t very good at dealing with the situation, it could be time to look for your next opportunity elsewhere.

"When choosing to work for a company it’s important that you select somewhere with the right culture, and look for an employer who understands how to support those who are suffering from mental health issues.”