Urgent white van man warning as study reveals they’re more prone to two health problems than the average person
WHITE van men are four times more prone to anxiety and depression than the average person, says a survey.
They suffer from long days alone and get less holiday.
Two thirds struggle with their mental health, against the overall average of one in six, while nine in ten feel lonely, the Mercedes-Benz Vans poll shows.
A third have fewer than three conversations a day, spending up to 25 hours a week alone.
Paul Murphy, a healthcare company driver, said: “Sometimes you feel like you’re living in your own head with no one else, particularly those on longer routes who only have a few conversations every day.
“Without talking, a small problem can fester.”
A separate poll for travel company TUI also found that white van men typically got 12 days less holiday a year than 9-to-5 workers.
Football pundit Chris Kamara is launching Vantasy Football, a tournament bringing drivers together at St George’s Park near Burton, Staffs.
Chris said: “Spending time on your own, not talking to people, these things have a real impact on mental health.
“The camaraderie of sport is such a great way to overcome loneliness.”