One in six people who have experienced money problems (16%) have experienced suicidal thoughts because of this.
An online survey by YouGov of 2,000 UK adults found that one quarter of adults who have experienced money problems (25%) said they felt guilty about their money problems and 41% felt embarrassed. While just under 3 in 10 (28%) didn’t talk about these problems to anyone, and half of all adults (50%) said they wouldn’t know where to get support.
Half of British adults with a debt problem has a mental health problem, according to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Debt problems increase the chances of poor mental health – people with debt problems are twice as likely to develop major depression. The more debt a person has, the more likely they will have a mental health problem.
This is leading to unhealthy behaviour. People who have had money problems revealed that they drank more alcohol (15%) and smoked (13%) more to cope.
People reported feeling stressed (65%), anxious (62%), angry (20%), isolated (23%) and depressed (44%) as a result of their money worries.
Money issues are widespread with nearly 3 in 10 (27%) of people have struggled to pay bills or rent. Mental Health UK estimates that four million people in the UK are at risk of mental health issues because they’re having financial difficulties.
Mental Health UK offers free information, support and advice for anyone affected by mental health and money issues through its Mental Health and Money Advice service.
“People feel embarrassed and isolated, and don’t know where to get help. Instead they bottle up feelings of stress, anger and depression, and turn to unhealthy things like smoking and drinking” Brian Dow, Managing Director of Mental Health UK said “We want more people to be aware of the link between money troubles and mental health problems, to recognise when they might be struggling, and be able to reach out for help when they need it.”