Jessica O'ConnorStress and anxiety were the most common mental health conditions referred to RedArc over the past five years, making up 49% of all cases requiring specialist nurse support between 2020 and 2024.
The organisation said that depression and mood disorders, PTSD and trauma, eating disorders and psychotic disorders collectively made up the remaining referrals.
RedArc noted that terms such as stress and anxiety are often used casually, which can lead to their seriousness being underestimated.
The organisation warned that these conditions are not simply feelings of worry or pressure but can lead to significant symptoms including panic attacks, insomnia and long-term physical health problems.
Christine Husbands, commercial consultant for RedArc, said: “Dismissing or downplaying stress and anxiety can prevent individuals from getting the help they need and contribute to worsening health and poor outcomes.
“It’s therefore vitally important that both insurers and employers recognise that these are legitimate medical conditions that require appropriate support and treatment.”
RedArc cautioned that offering only self-select counselling options is not sufficient, as many people in distress need help identifying the right therapy for their needs.
Husbands added: “When an individual is suffering with their mental health, support which includes an assessment from a professional ensures they get the right help. And that help must then be sufficiently comprehensive to genuinely assist them on their path to recovery, and this generally means it needs to be one-to-one, personalised, and offered by a specialist.”
The organisation stressed that specialist-led support is essential because trained mental health professionals are best equipped to diagnose and manage complex conditions.
Effective assistance, it said, should take a holistic approach by also addressing physical health concerns and signposting individuals to charities or local support groups.
Long-term support, including resilience-building and coping strategies, was identified as key to helping people manage future challenges.
Husbands concluded: “With stress and anxiety accounting for nearly half of our mental health referrals, it’s clear that these conditions demand serious attention and tailored intervention.
“We urge insurers and employers to invest in specialist-led support that addresses the complexity of these conditions.”
