Mental Health and the Cost of Living Crisis
Increased prices and pressures can have a negative effect on mental health – food prices, fuel, power, housing... people from all walks of life are experiencing this crisis in one way or another, and it can be particularly stressful.
Mental Health and the Cost of Living Crisis
Increased prices and pressures can have a negative effect on mental health – food prices, fuel, power, housing... people from all walks of life are experiencing this crisis in one way or another, and it can be particularly stressful.
The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on Mental Health
With the rising prices and people struggling to make ends meet, the cost of living crisis is having an adverse effect on people’s mental health, with research demonstrating that nearly half of people in the UK have experienced a negative impact on their mental health due to the crisis.
One in five people are feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed, as they are constantly watching their pennies and finding ways to stretch their funds from one pay day to another, and as many as 31% of adults have reported feeling anxious due to their financial situations.
These continuous feelings of stress, anxiety and hopelessness can either exacerbate existing mental health conditions, or cause new ones to develop as a result, so it’s more important than ever to look into ways of protecting your mental wellbeing in difficult times.
How to Look After your Mental Health During the Cost of Living Crisis
There’s no quick-fix, and everyone copes differently, however here are some things that may help to alleviate some of the pressures and help to you to take care of your wellbeing.
Keep in Touch with Family and Friends
Having people around you as a support network can be really beneficial – you can share your worries, get advice and support, and stop negative thoughts from going round and round in your head. Trying to deal with stresses such as these on your own can be damaging, so talking your concerns through with someone can help to relieve the pressure – and you might get some useful solutions out of it, too.
If you’re worried about how friends and family might react, you can always reach out to the Samaritans, where someone will listen and help talk you through some of your worries in a non-judgmental way.
Get Financial Support
If you’re receiving an overwhelming amount of bills through your door, don’t ignore them. The best way is to deal with them when they arrive, as this can stop the stress playing on your mind.
If you contact your bank, utility provider or other organisation and explain your situation and that you are struggling, they will be understanding and may help you to come up with a more manageable payment plan, or propose ways to negotiate other routes forwards.
You can also contact your local Citizens Advice – if you're struggling with bills or debts, they can discuss solutions, such as advising you on any benefits you may be entitled to that you're currently not receiving.
Another solution may be to contact your local council to find out more about emergency grants.
Practice Self Care and Healthy Habits
Amongst all the stress and chaos, it’s all too easy to lose sight of healthy habits, but neglecting your physical health can have a knock-on effect on your mental health too, making you feel worse.
It's best to try and stick to good routines, practice self-care, and keep up with healthy habits, such as:
Sleep – get a solid sleep routine, such as going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day. Avoid afternoon naps as they can interfere with sleep patterns, and avoid using your phone when you're in bed.
Diet – cooking healthy meals can seem like a lot of effort when there’s already lots on your mind, but takeaways can be expensive and leave you feeling worse. Supermarkets have plenty of budget friendly recipes to keep you eating well for less.
Exercise – a simple walk in the park, a bike ride or run, or stretching at home can keep your body moving, which is essential for looking after your overall wellbeing. Try and factor some light exercise into your routine if you can.
Get Support During the Cost of Living Crisis
There is an abundance of resources available to you to help you access the right support, such as:
If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition or suicidal thoughts and is in need of immediate help, there are resources available:
Mental health services and urgent help are available through the NHS and local mental health charities and services: