When money worries affect your mental health - getting support
When money worries affect your mental health - signs to look out for and getting support
Let's be honest, the start of the year can often be tough on the purse strings.
After the festive excitement (and the costs that come with it), feeling the pinch is something many of us know all too well.
Those first few weeks after Christmas often brings a sense of heaviness, and it's completely normal for that to affect how we're feeling mentally.
When you add in the increased cost of living that many people are experiencing right now, it's completely natural for financial stress to play a bigger role in how we feel.
Money and mental health
Money problems can feel overwhelming, and it's completely normal for them to impact how we think, feel, and cope day to day.
Money touches almost every part of our lives, from the roof over our heads to the food in our cupboards, to the plans we make for the future.
So when finances feel uncertain, it's completely normal for our mental wellbeing to take a hit. Worrying about bills, debt, or unexpected expenses can sit quietly in the back of your mind or show up as constant, heavy stress that's hard to switch off.
How money worries might be affecting your mental health
- Constant stress and overthinking
Financial pressure can keep your mind on alert, making it difficult to relax or focus on anything else. - Sleep disruption
Many people find financial worries creep in at night, leading to poor sleep or racing thoughts. - Lower mood and confidence
Ongoing worry can chip away at self-esteem, making even small decisions feel harder than usual. - Feeling isolated
Money concerns often feel private or embarrassing, causing people to keep things to themselves and miss out on support. - Impact on daily life
Stress about bills or debt can leave you feeling distracted, irritable, or emotionally drained.
What are the signs to look out for?
Stress can show up in ways that aren't always obvious. If you're stressed or worried about finances, you might recognise some of these emotional and behavioural signs:
· Feeling overwhelmed - like everything is too much and you can't keep everything under control
· Irritability or frustration - getting angry or annoyed at things that wouldn't usually bother you
· Anxiety or constant worry - a sense of unease you can't get rid of
· Low mood or sadness - feeling flat, drained, or disconnected from your loved ones
· Difficulty relaxing your mind might be racing and you could have some difficulties switching off and sleeping
Lots of people feel like this and thankfully, there are things we can try that really do help.
Practical tips to manage financial stress
Financial stress can build up quickly, but small, simple steps can help you regain a sense of control:
Manage your budget
If you struggle to keep up, live pay day to pay day, or just don't know where to start with your finances, it may sound obvious but laying out a budget can really help.
A budget is just a plan for how you will spend money each month, and how much you will have leftover for treats. It can be as simple as a list, allocating each item an amount of money. Make sure to think about what's most important first, such as mortgage/rent, council tax, utility bills, food and transport. Planning ahead means you can save each month for big things, to reduce the financial impact when the time comes.
Practice self-care alongside budgeting
There are lots of free, simple self-care activities you can do anytime you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed and need a break:
- Go for a walk in nature or a local park
- Practice journalling, take a note of your thoughts and feelings in the moment
- Call or text someone you trust and tell them how you are feeling
- Declutter a small space
- Listen to music that lifts your mood
Limit comparison
Comparing yourself to others can make you feel behind and add to the stress and worry that you might already be feeling. Remember - things may not always be what they seem and what you see on social media isn't always reality.
Talk to someone you trust
Sharing your worries with someone you trust can reduce shame, and can help you to feel less alone. Talking Therapies can also be a good way to work through any problems, giving you space to explore what's on your mind with someone who's there to support you.
Reach out for support
If financial stress is affecting your sleep, mood, or daily functioning, it may help to reach out for support. Whilst we don't offer financial advice, at Norfolk and Waveney Talking Therapies we're here to support your mental health.
You can access our support by self-referring here on our website. Alternatively, you can give our team a call and they will take your referral over the phone. Call 0300 123 1503.
You don't need a diagnosis or to have seen your GP - you can refer straight to us at any time.
Employment Support
If part of your financial worries involves finding, staying in or returning to work, we also offer free Employment Support to anyone who is already referred into the service.
Our Employment Advisers work with you to create a bespoke plan to help you with whatever employment challenges you might be facing and support you to reach your own personal goals.
Simply complete our self-referral form or call 0300 123 1503 to get started.
Other resources you may find helpful
Money problems are one of the most common causes of stress in everyday life, but there are several organisations that offer good, free advice:
National Debt Line
Help for anyone in debt or concerned they may fall into debt
www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Telephone: 0808 808 4000
The Money Advice Service
Advice and guides to help improve your finances, tools and calculators to help you keep track and plan ahead and telephone and online support
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Telephone: 0800 138 7777
Citizen's Advice Bureaux
Advice and assistance with legal problems, debt and consumer issues, benefits, housing, legal issues, employment and housing
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Step Change
Free anonymous debt advice from a UK charity
www.stepchange.org
Freephone: 0800 138 1111
Turn2us
Advice on benefits, grants and other financial help from a UK charity
www.turn2us.org.uk
Community Food Services near by
If you're struggling to put food on the table, there are also a wide range of foodbanks around Norfolk and Waveney- click here to find your closest. You can also donate food here too to others that might be struggling.
Free lunch, Pathway Cafe, Yarmouth
Cromer Community Fridge & Larder
Dereham Foodbank (at the Wellspring Centre)
NHS - Healthy Start provides vouchers for pregnant women and families with a child under four years old on a low income to buy basic food items. Phone: 0345 607 6823
