Find help if costs are getting you down

Cost of Living Campaign - Price Watch

THIS MONTH’S World Mental Health Day offers a timely reminder that over one in five Brits are currently suffering such issues due to the escalating cost of living crisis.

Over the past 90 days in the UK search terms for “I can’t afford my bills” and “I am worried about money all the time” have increased by a shocking amount.

These statistics show finances are having a huge impact on mental health across the country.

In response to these findings, credit management company Lowell has conducted research into financial hardships Brits are having to face.

The study revealed over a quarter (27 per cent) of us struggle to save money due to our financial situations.

Over one in five (22 per cent) say their financial difficulties have had a direct impact on their mental health. And that they’ve struggled with stress, anxiety or depression due to money worries.

The research also revealed Brits are losing sleep due to

finance-related stress (21 per

Our

highlights the impact of rising bills on our readers

cent) while almost one in five (18 per cent) have struggled to pay their bills.

Lowell UK CEO John Pears said: “It’s saddening to see how financial difficulties are having a direct impact on the mental health and general well-being of Brits across the country.

“It’s important for those struggling to know that there

are many organisations out

there that can offer support and guidance.”

Psychotherapist Noel McDermott, who has 25 years experience in health, social care, and education, offers timely advice on managing mental health amid financial difficulties,

“One of the key psychological tricks available during times of existential fear is to shift your focus from the events and the future and focus more on what is called the here and now. It’s evidenced through both mindfullness and also cognitive

behavioural therapy to help in reducing stress responses. Bringing your mind to focus on how you are experiencing this moment more will make you notice if you are stressed; elevated heartbeat, racing thoughts, tight muscles, dry mouth, shallow breathing, sweaty palms, and with that awareness work to reduce

your stress reactions. This can be done learning relaxation methods, regulating breathing, and managing thinking processes by say focusing on

your breathing”.

DO ...

Regular exercise

Stay hydrated

Eat healthily

Sleep and rest properly Get lots of hugs and lots of me time

Remember health and healthy routines are the key to

psychological wellbeing

.DONT ...

Make big life decisions rashly Drink alcohol or use drugs to cope

Run away from your problems Listen to folk selling you simple solutions (financial or

otherwise)