A new survey from charity Mind has found nearly half of us are experiencing poor mental health, and that even more of us suffering would carry on working

The charity spoke with almost 44,000 employees, and it revealed that 48 per cent were experiencing stress, low mood, anxiety or other mental health issues while still working.

Worryingly, only half affected chose to tell their employers they were struggling. The survey comes as part of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, which highlights how stress impacts on our lives.

The research saw 74 firms take part in the Workplace Wellbeing Index (WWI) - which Mind believes is "a benchmark of best policy and practice".

It would seem there is still plenty for employers to do, with the charity also revealing that 84 per cent of those survey would continue when experiencing poor mental health. This in stark contrast to 58 per cent of people choosing to work when in poor physical health.

Less than half of all employees surveyed believed their manager could pick up on signs they were struggling with poor mental health

Mind did reveal some signs of positivity, as this year saw sixty per cent of employers in the WWI increase spending on workplace wellbeing activities.

Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, called on firms to make wellbeing at work to be a greater priority and sign up to its index.

She said: “As we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, it is worrying to discover that half of employees still don’t feel able to speak out.

"Too many people struggling with poor mental health, such as stress, anxiety and depression, still feel they need to stay silent.

"For some, reasons include; not feeling comfortable disclosing their mental health problem, worrying their employer will think they can’t do their job and not wanting to be treated differently.

“We know that changing workplace culture takes time to filter through an organisation.

"Encouragingly forward-thinking employers, like those organisations taking part in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, are taking steps in the right direction and their bespoke reports identify what they are doing well and the areas for improvement.

“We’d urge other employers to follow in the footsteps of these organisations and sign up for Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, a benchmarking tool to help them identify where they are doing well when it comes to promoting good mental health at work, as well as highlighting areas for improvement.”

If you feel you are struggling, and would benefit from professional support, visit Counselling Directory.

Employers can register their interest in taking part in next year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, by visiting: mind.org.uk/index.