Mental health support
Struggling with money and debt can be a stressful and lonely experience. Some people feel guilt or shame, or they worry about what others will think. This can be distressing and it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and this is a challenging time for many people. Sorting things out might feel overwhelming, but know that there is support available.
Urgent support
A mental health crisis should be taken as seriously as a physical health crisis. If you are unable to keep yourself safe and need help straight away, you should contact:
- The NHS urgent mental health helpline. Find the relevant helpline for you.
- The Samaritans, who you can talk to about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how difficult. You can call free on 116 123.
- Shout offers confidential 24/7 crisis text support when you need immediate help. Text “SHOUT” to 85258.
General support
Whether you would like to feel more in control of your finances, or would like specific support for your mental health, there are options available to help you feel better.
If you want to talk to someone about how you're feeling, you can call an emotional support helpline.
- Samaritans is a confidential support service for anyone experiencing distress or despair. Call 116 123 for free.
- Papyrus offers a helpline service to people under 35 who are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Call 0800 068 41 41 for free.
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) has a helpline for anyone who needs help. Call 0800 58 58 for free.
- The Silverline is aimed at anyone over 55 and provides friendship, conversation and support. Call 0800 4 70 80 90 for free.
You can also contact most of these organisations by email, text or messaging. Visit their websites for more information.
Managing your money and mental health
Recognising the links between money and our mental health can be an important first step. The mental health charity Mind provides more information on the connection between money problems and mental health, and tips on how to feel more in control of your finances.
Not sure where or who to turn to for support? There are so many options it can be overwhelming, but here are a few you could look into:
- if you’re struggling with debt or money worries, the charity Debt Free London has a helpline offering free, impartial advice and support. You can call free on 0800 808 507
- the NHS Every Mind Matters explains steps you can take to help feel more in control of your money, as well as free support if you need it
- the Mental Health and Money Advice website contains tips, tools and real life stories to help people experiencing issues with mental health and money. The ‘How can we help?’ tool can direct you to advice most suited to you.
- watch an NHS wellbeing webinar on managing financial anxiety, with experts from Money A&E and Mental Health and Money Advice
- the NHS have shared some practical advice on coping with financial worries, including the importance of staying active, managing alcohol consumption and sticking to a routine
- if you’re struggling to keep up with debt repayments, you may be able to access a 60 day period of protection where your creditors can’t add interest or fees to your debts and can’t take enforcement action, known as a Breathing Space. The Breathing Space scheme can ease some of the pressures of dealing with debts and give you time to access debt advice or improve your financial situation by accessing benefits or financial support. More information about managing debt is available on the Debt advice section of our website.