October Health – 2025 Report

Trauma in United Kingdom

The leading cause of trauma stress in the United Kingdom at the population level is often associated with experiences of violence, accidents, and significant adverse events such as domestic abuse, major accidents (including road traffic collisions), and exposure to community violence. Additionally, large-scale traumatic events like terrorism or severe natural disasters can contribute, but these are less frequent. Work-related trauma, such as exposure to critical incidents or high-stress environments (notably in emergency services), also plays a significant role in workplace mental health trauma. For workplace mental health support, organisations can benefit from trauma-informed approaches and tools like October’s digital group sessions to help employees process and manage stress related to trauma.

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Trauma Prevalence
14.71%
Affected people
8,090,500

Impact on the people of United Kingdom

Effects of High Trauma Stress on Health and Personal Lives

Health Effects:

  • Physical Health Problems: Increased risk of cardiovascular issues, weakened immune system, chronic pain, and gastrointestinal problems.
  • Mental Health Issues: Higher likelihood of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance misuse.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or poor quality sleep, impacting overall wellbeing.

Personal Life Impact:

  • Relationships: Strain on personal and work relationships due to irritability, withdrawal, or emotional numbness.
  • Work Performance: Decreased concentration, motivation, and productivity; increased absenteeism.
  • Daily Functioning: Difficulty managing everyday tasks and self-care routines.

Workplace Support Suggestion: Consider group mental health sessions like those offered by Panda, which can provide trauma-informed content and peer support to help employees manage stress effectively.

Impact on the United Kingdom Economy

Effects of High Amounts of Trauma Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Trauma-related stress can lead to increased absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased concentration, lowering overall productivity.

  2. Increased Healthcare Costs
    Higher incidences of mental health conditions increase demand for healthcare services, straining public and private health budgets.

  3. Higher Unemployment Rates
    Individuals affected by trauma may struggle to maintain employment, leading to higher unemployment and reliance on social welfare systems.

  4. Lower Economic Growth
    Collective trauma hampers human capital development, reducing innovation and economic expansion.

  5. Increased Workplace Mental Health Interventions
    Businesses may need to invest more in mental health support, such as digital group sessions and assessments, exemplified by platforms like October, to maintain employee wellbeing and productivity.

  6. Social Stability Impact
    Widespread trauma stress can increase social unrest and reduce consumer confidence, negatively affecting markets.

Incorporating mental health support in workplaces through resources like October and October can mitigate these economic impacts by improving employee resilience and reducing the burden of trauma-related stress.

What can government do to assist? 

 Strategies for a Country to Lower Trauma Stress

1. **Increase Access to Mental Health Services**  
   - Expand availability of trauma-informed therapists and services.
   - Provide affordable or free counselling options, including digital platforms like October for group sessions and assessments.

2. **Public Awareness and Education**  
   - Launch nationwide campaigns to educate about trauma symptoms and coping strategies.
   - Promote workplace mental health training and stress management education.

3. **Supportive Workplace Policies**  
   - Encourage employers to implement flexible working hours and employee assistance programmes.
   - Foster environments where employees feel safe to discuss mental health without stigma.

4. **Community-Based Support Systems**  
   - Develop peer support groups and community hubs for trauma survivors.
   - Train community leaders in trauma recognition and basic psychological support.

5. **Early Intervention and Prevention**  
   - Enhance screening for trauma exposure in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
   - Integrate trauma awareness into disaster response and social services.

6. **Legislation and Funding**  
   - Ensure government funding prioritises trauma-informed care infrastructure.
   - Enact laws protecting trauma survivors from discrimination and providing support benefits.

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Using tools like October can help organisations implement group mental health sessions, increasing workforce resilience and lowering trauma stress collectively.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 Ways Companies Can Lower Trauma Stress

1. **Create a Supportive Environment**  
   Encourage open communication about mental health and trauma without stigma.

2. **Provide Access to Professional Support**  
   Offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling services, or digital platforms like October for group therapy and assessments.

3. **Implement Trauma-Informed Training**  
   Train managers and staff to recognise trauma signs and respond appropriately.

4. **Promote Flexible Working Arrangements**  
   Allow employees time and space to recover by offering flexible hours or remote work options.

5. **Encourage Peer Support Networks**  
   Facilitate regular group sessions to share experiences and reduce isolation.

6. **Regularly Assess Workplace Stressors**  
   Use tools to identify and mitigate workplace factors contributing to trauma stress.

Using platforms like October can help deliver these supports digitally and engage employees in accessible mental health resources.