Mental health and your career change: why it matters and what you can do to support it?

Everyone has bad days, and it’s important to talk about them. However when you’re going through a career change, talking about your mental health (and working towards supporting it) can sometimes feel like less of a priority. After all, it’s likely you’re busy learning new skills and exploring the new tools you’ll need to become familiar with if you want to grow in your new role. 

That said, mental health matters more than you think. As it’s Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s explore how you can take action and support yourself through your career transition, whatever that looks like. 

What is Mental Health Awareness Week?

Mental Health Awareness Week is a week-long campaign organised by UK charity Mental Health Foundation. Every May, they set a theme with the aim of raising awareness, promoting the importance of good mental health and providing resources and practical guidance to help people protect their mental health and support others. This year’s (11-17 May 2026) theme is Action. 

Just like the Mental Health Foundation say, action doesn’t need to be seen as separate from awareness but rather as a natural extension of it. For professionals at any stage of their career, this means that being aware of your mental health and taking steps to support it could not only help you get through your career transition, but thrive and make the most of your pivot. 

What’s the link between mental health and employment?

According to a Frontiers research article, one in five people globally faces unemployment, which increases their risk of developing mental disorders. We all know we’re more than what we do for work but the fact remains that employment and our mental health are linked. 

It’s clear to see why our ability to earn a living and our mental health are so related  – the Money and Pensions Service reported that 57% of those who have experienced a mental health problem say thinking about their financial situation makes them anxious, and 26% of people who haven’t experienced a mental health problem believe the same. 

Similarly, a 2023 study by the Mental Health Foundation found that the cost-of-living crisis and being able to afford to pay bills was the most commonly reported cause of anxiety. Research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute also shows that in England alone over 1.5 million people are experiencing both problem debt and mental health problems. 

For someone going through a career change, anxiety, fear of the unknown and the idea that you may be making the wrong choice are common. A career transition means you’ll need to take the leap, and that can be scary, especially when your livelihood is involved. However, even if you didn’t plan to move jobs or industries, that doesn’t mean you have to go through it all without any help.   

The benefits of a career change 

Whether you’re retraining or considering moving to a different industry, a career change can provide a lot of benefits. From an increase in earning potential and an expanded professional network to more opportunities to learn, develop a diverse skill set and grow your confidence, going through a change gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can successfully make your next career move. 

How to protect your mental health during a career transition 

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that 2.9 million people in the UK changed jobs in 2025 while 1.2 million UK workers left their previous industries and switched career paths, which means you’re in good company. Changing direction doesn’t mean sacrificing your mental health and action, whatever that looks like to you, doesn’t have to be overwhelming. So what does that look like in practice?

• Break down your goals into small steps – Creating bite-sized actions can make tackling bigger goals more achievable.  

• Don’t do it alone – Never underestimate the power of community. Staying connected to the people around you can help things feel less difficult. 

• Remember why you’re changing careers – Whether you’re following a passion, need a change of scenery or were made redundant, get clear on what you want in your new role and then figure out the ‘how’. 

• Reframe your thinking – Not all changes are intentional. For some of you, you may have been made redundant, been let go or had to reconsider your career path for some other reason. Whatever your reason for this career transition, think of it as an opportunity to go after what you truly want and will benefit you in the long run. 

• Maintain a daily routine  – Don’t let a job search consume your day. Take care of yourself, move, get fresh air and keep up with your interests outside of work. 

• Step out of your comfort zone – Be willing to explore new ways of working to get the most out of your experience. 

• Seek professional help if you need to – From expert-led courses, online mental health support to in-person professional help, there are a ton of resources out there to support you. 

​