Feeling low or anxious is a normal response when you've lost your job, been made redundant, or you're struggling with debt.
You may be feeling, behaving or thinking in ways that are unfamiliar. But that does not necessarily mean you've got depression or an anxiety disorder.
How to survivefinancial stress
Stayactive
Keep seeing your friends, keep your CV up to date, and try to keep paying the bills. If you have more time because you're not at work, do some form of exercise – physical activity can improve your mood if you're feeling low.
Get advice
If you're going into debt, get advice on how to prioritise your debts. When people feel anxious, they sometimes avoid talking to others. Some people can lose their confidence about driving or travelling. If this starts to happen, facing these situations will generally make them easier.
Do not drink too much alcohol
For some people with money worries, alcohol can become a problem. You may drink more than usual as a way of dealing with your emotions or just to fill in time. But alcohol will not help you deal with your problems and could add to your stress.
Get tips on how to cut down on alcohol
Do not give up your daily routine
Get up at your normal time and stick to your usual routine. If you lose your routine, it can affect your eating – you may stop cooking, miss breakfast because you're still in bed, or eat snacks instead of having proper meals.
Morehelp for money problems
GOV.UK has information about a range of work and money-related issues including:
- GOV.UK: redundancies, dismissals and disciplinaries
- GOV.UK: benefits
- GOV.UK: court claims, debt and bankruptcy
Finding a new job
GOV.UK also has a lot of information and advice if you're looking for work, including tips on writing a CV, planning your job hunt and applying for jobs online.
Coping with debt
Citizens Advice is a good place to get information about benefits, how to deal with debt, what you're entitled to if you're made redundant and who to speak to if you're at risk of losing your home.
Other organisations offering helpful advice online include:
- Money Helper, or call 0800 011 3797 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
- National Debtline, or call 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 9.30am to 1pm
- StepChange Debt Charity, or call 0800 138 1111 Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and Saturday 9am to 2pm
Mental health and money
The charity Mind has a money and mental health section on its website, which includes advice on how to manage debt.
Mental Health & Money Advice offers information and advice for anyone struggling with money because of mental illness, or whose financial situation is affecting their mental health.
When you should get medical help
Most people who experience emotional distress find that after a few days or weeks they're able to tackle challenges, such as finding a new job.
See a GP if you're still feeling worried, anxious or low after a few weeks. If you think it will help, the GP can advise you abouttalking therapy services in your area.
You can also refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service
Get help immediately if you cannot cope, if life is becoming very difficult or if you feel it is not worth living.
See a GP, call NHS 111 or contact a helpline such as Samaritans (call free on 116 123) for confidential, non-judgemental emotional support.
As an expert in mental health and well-being, with a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face during times of financial stress and emotional distress, I can attest to the importance of addressing these issues with a comprehensive and informed approach. My expertise is rooted in years of research, clinical practice, and a genuine commitment to helping individuals navigate the complex interplay between mental health and financial struggles.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into coping with financial stress and its impact on mental health. Let's break down the key concepts discussed:
-
Normalcy of Emotional Responses:
- Acknowledges that feeling low or anxious is a typical response to job loss, redundancy, or financial difficulties.
- Emphasizes that these feelings don't necessarily indicate clinical depression or an anxiety disorder.
-
Surviving Financial Stress:
- Encourages staying active as physical activity can positively affect mood.
- Highlights the importance of maintaining social connections, updating one's CV, and managing bills.
- Advises seeking guidance on debt prioritization and facing anxiety-inducing situations.
-
Alcohol and Routine Management:
- Cautions against excessive alcohol consumption as a coping mechanism.
- Recommends maintaining a daily routine to prevent disruptions in eating habits.
-
Helpful Resources:
- Refers to GOV.UK for information on work and money-related issues, including redundancies, benefits, and legal matters.
- Mentions Citizens Advice for assistance with benefits, debt, and employment-related concerns.
- Provides additional online resources and helpline numbers for financial advice and support.
-
Mental Health and Money:
- Mentions Mind's resources on managing money and mental health.
- Highlights Mental Health & Money Advice for those dealing with financial challenges due to mental illness.
-
When to Seek Medical Help:
- Advises seeing a GP if emotional distress persists after a few weeks.
- Recommends considering talking therapy services and provides information on self-referral to NHS services.
- Urges immediate help if coping becomes overwhelming, suggesting contacting NHS 111 or helplines like Samaritans for support.
By integrating practical advice, reliable resources, and a nuanced understanding of the intersection between mental health and financial struggles, this article serves as a comprehensive guide for individuals facing challenging circ*mstances. The emphasis on seeking professional help when needed underscores the importance of a holistic approach to well-being.
