The numbers of people off work with long-term sickness are rising much faster among the younger generations (16-34 year olds) than those over 35. And mental health issues are now by far the most common work-limiting condition. This prompted a recent article in MoneyWeek to state: “The social causes of mental illness need more government attention…Above all, though, we need to stop the trend towards ‘mass medicalisation of mild forms of distress’. Britain has become more compassionate about mental illness. It now needs to become more thoughtful too.” In this podcast, we’re joined by Karen Royle, Occupational Psychologist and Managing Director of Ways to Work, also a trusted member of the team at Form Health, our early intervention partner. Karen shares with us – through case studies – how to manage stress: when it should be embraced; and when and how it should be reduced.