UK population faces mental health challenges due to cost of living crisis.
Many people have serious concerns about the expense of living. The costs can pile up rapidly and include everything from housing and food to healthcare and education. You may not be aware, though, that your mental health can be significantly impacted by the cost of living. In this blog article, we'll examine the relationship between your cost of living and mental health and offer advice for coping with the stress and anxiety that can come with financial difficulties.
The pain of financial scuffle
A person's mental health may be greatly impacted by financial problems. Negative feelings like anxiety, melancholy, and hopelessness can be brought on by the stress of not being able to pay one's bills, expenses, and savings. According to studies, stress over money is a major factor in mental health problems.
Financial stress is largely a result of the high cost of living. Prices for necessities including housing, food, and other necessities have recently risen significantly in several UK districts. People may find it difficult to buy even the most basic essentials due to the price increase, which also makes saving money for the future difficult.
Managing financial stress
There are actions you may take to control the situation and enhance your mental health if you're feeling overburdened by financial stress:
Create a budget: To get started, put all of your costs and revenue into a budget. You can use this to find places where you can cut costs and save money.
Ask for financial advice: You can manage your finances for free using a variety of options, such as debt counselling and financial consulting services.
Prioritise your mental well-being: During difficult financial times, it's crucial to put your mental well-being first. This can involve taking care of oneself, asking loved ones for help, and doing things that make you happy and calm you.
Those looking for mental health support still have a lot of options. Peer support groups, community-based organisations, and online treatment services can all fall under this category. Finding a supplier or service that fits your needs and budget requires careful consideration of all your possibilities.
Solutions for coping with financial stress
If you're feeling overwhelmed by financial stress, there are steps you can take to manage the situation and improve your mental health:
Create a budget: Start by creating a budget that takes into account all of your expenses and income. This can help you identify areas where you can cut back and save money.
Seek financial advice: There are many free resources available to help you manage your finances, including debt advice services and financial counseling.
Take care of your mental health: It's important to prioritize your mental health during times of financial stress. This can include practicing self-care, seeking support from loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Take action: If your financial situation is causing you significant stress and anxiety, it may be time to take action. This could include finding ways to increase your income, reducing your expenses, or seeking professional help.
Acess Mental health support: NHS foundation provide 24 hr urgent mental health helpline which can be utilised in case of emergency.