The fact that we only talk about workplace stress when there is a high-profile case of mental ill-health is a problem. Such cases seem to be occurring more frequently, or at least more publicly. Sir Hector Sants, for example, the former head of the UK financial regulator, has stepped down from a senior role at Barclays after last month’s announcement that he was taking leave because of “exhaustion and stress”. António Horta-Osório, chief executive of Lloyds Banking Group, two years ago took a leave of absence on doctors’ advice, returning in early 2012. Carsten Schloter, chief executive of Swisscom, Switzerland’s biggest telecoms company, is presumed to have committed suicide in July, having talked publicly about the relentless demands of the job. The following month, Pierre Wauthier, chief financial officer of Zurich Insurance, committed suicide, blaming a difficult work relationship.

These events vary from deeply unpleasant for the individual affected to shocking and tragic for them and their friends, families and colleagues. They also bring to the surface how ill-prepared society is to deal with mental health, and highlight the lack of understanding of this widespread family of diseases – now among the world’s most prevalent illnesses.

I am no expert – beyond my own first-hand knowledge of depression: I “came out” (tellingly, this is the term that tends to be used) in the 1990s when I agreed to be featured in publicity for a government mental health programme. I now chair a charity, MQ, which aims to become the leading fundraiser for focused research so badly needed in this field. But I know enough to know this is an area where business can and should also take a lead.