Speak out if you struggle to cope

Don’t feel you have to face financial worries alone

People often think that if they had more money, all their problems would just go away.

I am sure you’d prefer to find out the answer for yourself but I can tell you that generally, more money just means different types of problems.

Most people live within their means but some, for various reasons, live beyond their means.

When your budget begins to stretch and you start borrowing for day-to-day spending, your money worries can quickly grow.

This is the reason I don’t like using credit cards and why I developed the Bank Account System to help people gain control over their spending.

Worries are one thing but for some people, small worries can easily escalate rapidly into bigger problems and cause mental health issues that can paralyse our decision-making process.

Just thinking about your bills and credit card statements might make you shudder and bring on a sense of helplessness or lack of hope.

That’s especially true of being in debt if you are unable to pay what you owe.

This can cause a vicious circle which can quickly spiral out of control. Your money worries cause you to have poor mental health but with poor mental health, it’s so much harder to face your financial challenges head on so your money problems worsen.

If this sounds like you, you are definitely not alone. But where can you go to seek help?

Several charities support people with money challenges. I like Mind, which assists anyone experiencing a mental health problem, money or otherwise, and StepChange which, for the past 25 years, has helped people

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Just thinking about your bills or credit cards might make you shudder

deal with their debt problems. I am writing about the topic of money worries this week because Mental Health Awareness Week – which is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation – runs from May 10-16.

The theme this year is “nature”, which has been chosen because it is so central to our psychological and emotional heath.

Personally, I know that when I have a lot going on in my life – juggling two companies, two teenage children and a charity – sometimes I need space so I go for a walk out in the countryside. I love the phrase: “When you see green, you can’t feel blue.”

Whether it’s a holiday or just some distance from a stressor, space can give us perspective – and perspective can give us options which lead to solutions. But first you need to get your mindset in the right place.

If you’re worried about money or anything else in your life, please don’t try to resolve it alone.

Another phrase I like is: “A problem shared is a problem halved.”

■ For more money planning ideas, search for the Money Planner podcast.