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Sharp increase in women on sick leave with stress related illnesses

Friday, 13 June 2014 09:22

A sharp increase has been reported in women making income protection claims because they are on sick leave with psychiatric illnesses such as depression. That's according to Friends First who say psychiatric illness is now a top reason for these claims - and 64% of the claims are being made by women. Doctors and women's groups claim stress is a key factor as more women are struggling to balance hectic working lives, rearing children and running homes. It has also been reported women are attending surgeries with drinking problems, turning to wine to help them unwind once children went to bed. St Vincent de Paul are also backing the claims and say women are now the bread-winners in many households and are taking on sole responsibility of budgets which is adding to stress and pressure levels. AUDIO: Speaking to RedFM News Brendan Hennessy of SVP in Cork says a lot of the women they meet are under greater pressures than ever before. Click the PLAY button above to hear.

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