Money and mental health are connected
Poor mental health can make earning and managing money harder. And worrying about money can make your mental health worse. It can start to feel like a vicious cycle.
Sorting things out might feel like an overwhelming task. And lots of things may be out of your control. But try taking things one step at a time.
Understand your money and mood patterns
Working out your habits and thought patterns around money is a good place to start. It could help you start to think about things you want to work on.
- Think about when you spend or save money and why.
- Think about what aspects of dealing with money make your mental health worse. Is it attending appointments, opening envelopes, confrontation or being misunderstood? Or is it something else?
- It could help to keep a diary of your spending, and your mood. Try and record what you spent and why. Record how you were feeling before and afterwards too. This could help you work out any triggers or patterns.
When you understand more about what’s happening in your life, you can think about what might help. Sometimes just being aware of these patterns can help you feel more in control.
Mind have a comprehensive guide to the common ways money and mental health can affect each other, follow this link to find out more.
You can also call them on 0300 123 3393 for help with information about how mental health can impact financial matters.
National Organisations that can help:
Barclays offer free and impartial help to manage your money from their Money Mentors®. Our local contact is Damian Sims, who you can reach via email at damien.sims@barclays.com or by phone: 0777 5548267.
Citizen’s Advice offer confidential advice on a wide range of issues.
Contact them on: 0800 144 8848 (England); 0800 702 2020 (Wales)
They also have a useful page on their website about debt here.
National Debt Help are the Government approved company for help with IVA’s (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) and debts.
Step Change Debt Charity provide free and impartial debt advice FREE via a phone line. Their team of debt experts help thousands of people every week to deal with their debt problems, and get their lives back on track.
Contact them on: 0800 138 1111 (Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-4pm).
Money Helper gives free advice on a range of issues, including money troubles, benefits, family & care, savings, work, and pensions and retirement.
