As the cost of living keeps rising our mental health may suffer. If this is us it’s important we remember that we’re not alone
After months of a cost-of-living crisis it’s no surprise that many of us are struggling with poor mental health.
Studies show that with many of us worrying about affording the essentials, it’s a common feeling that we don’t have control over our lives. Many people are worrying about the future, saying it feels “bleak” or “uncertain”.
And it’s all coming after nearly three years of the Covid pandemic.
If we’re suffering, the first thing to remember is that we’re not alone. And there are people who can help.
Mental health charity Mind has advice on its website for when money worries are making us depressed or anxious.
Debt problems can get worse when we don’t take steps to put a plan in place. Knowing that we’re doing something to tackle our debt can make an immediate difference to our mental health. With a plan in place we know that there’s a way out – and we get some legal protections too.
It’s important to open all our post every day though – even if we’re scared of what’s in the envelopes. It can help to ask a close friend or relative to be with us while we face up to it.
As well as getting support online there’s free help available in person and over the phone too.
In England and Wales, we can search for Mind centres, called Local Minds, on their website. We can also call them on 0300 123 3393, or Samaritans for free on 116 123.
In Scotland we can call Breathing Space, which offers free support and advice, on 0800 83 85 87. And in Northern Ireland we can call Samaritans on 028 9066 4422.
Things we can do for ourselves include trying the Quids in! Future-Proof Finance Quiz to see if there are any quick money gains we could make. We should also do a benefits check to make sure we’re not missing out on any money we’re entitled to. Both of these are free and on the Quids in! website.
And talking to someone we trust about our worries can share the load. Sometimes hearing how others have faced similar problems and come out the other side can really help.
