The mental health of the PR industry is suffering through Covid-19, with 8 in 10 communications professionals reporting a marked depreciation in their mental health and well-being as a direct result of the pandemic, a new survey shows.

Lead by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations’ Health Group the survey explores the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on communications professionals and included questions around the value of communications, the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and on teams, pandemic preparedness and resources and internal communications.

While over half of respondents their organisation placed ‘a lot of value’ on communications during the pandemic, almost the same percentage also worked longer hours, with only less than a quarter having access mental health support in the last six months. 28% had not taken any annual leave and 15% worked five or more extra hours a day.

“I have been astounded by the excellence in professional practice that I have observed over the last few months – however, we must now make sure we look after our healthcare comms community and their wellbeing. Check in on your colleagues, take a break and be kind to yourself,” says Rachel Royall, chair of the CIPR Health Group.

The issue around practitioner’s mental health was first highlighted in a 2019 CIPR survey, which highlighted that more than a fifth of respondents aid they had a diagnosed mental health condition and a quarter revealed they took sickness absence from work due to stress, anxiety or depression.

For members of the CIPR the Institute created the iprovision Mental Health Hotline, which provides instant access to accredited counsellors and support for those with personal, legal and financial difficulties.