News Release, 12 February 2004
The Mental Health Foundation has just completed its biggest ever survey on relationships - and how they affect our mental health and wellbeing.
The survey results will be launched on 11 April 2004, during Mental Health Action Week. But early analysis shows that an overwhelming number of people of all ages across the UK value their relationships more highly than other aspects of their lives including work, hobbies and money. 80% rated relationships as the most important aspect of their life, compared with 6% who said work and 2% who said money or hobbies.
The survey has been designed to explore relationships today, and how we manage them as a society. The links between social and personal relationships and mental health are widely known. But the Mental Health Foundation is examining the quality and quantity of relationships of a large sample group, what helps and hinders the development of relationships, and how they affect our wellbeing. The results are showing remarkable differences between income groups, age groups and geographical areas, and how they approach relationships with partners, friends, family, colleagues and others.
The Mental Health Foundation's Chief Executive, Dr Andrew McCulloch said:
"We're still at the early stages of our analysis, but already we're seeing some surprising results. While Britons often view themselves as emotionally reserved, we're pleased by the level of recognition people are showing as to the value of their relationships - and the fact that an overwhelming majority of people have close, confiding relationships that support them through distressing times."
"Too often people feel lonely or isolated at this time of year with the rash of coverage given to sexual relationships around the 14th of February. But it's worth remembering, and our survey results are showing, that all sorts of relationships affect our wellbeing and are highly valued - not just the hearts and flowers type, given so much precedence around now."
Each year one in four people in the UK will experience some form of mental health problem. Mental Health Action Week is an annual event, first started in the 1950's, which aims to raise the public's awareness of mental health problems, and how to look after their mental wellbeing.
Return to news releases 2004
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
