The cost of living's hidden mental health impact

Inequalities of all kinds have long been documented as drivers of poor mental health, particularly in a country like the UK where the gap between rich and poor is so wide. A quarter of people experiencing mental health issues also have financial problems, according to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which is three times more than in the general population. People on the lowest incomes, and living in the UK’s most deprived areas, are as much as 10 times more at risk of suicide than their counterparts in the most affluent groups, Samaritans research has shown. 

It’s a chicken-or-egg quandary – people in poverty are more vulnerable to mental illness, while those with mental illness are more likely to struggle with money or secure a decent income. The cost-of-living crisis has placed unprecedented pressure on the UK’s households, and experts warn it has the makings of a mental health disaster. 

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“People get stressed and anxious for a purpose,” said Dr David Crepaz‑Keay, head of applied learning for the Mental Health Foundation. “Stress is hardwired into human beings as a response to threat so we can get ourselves out of a dangerous situation, which in itself isn’t a bad thing.” 

The current challenge, Crepaz-Keay says, is that when the threat is something like a cost-of-living crisis, or unavoidable bills which demand more money than a person has to give, a person can start to “absorb” the stress for which they have no clear way out and mental health problems develop. This effect is even more acute in 2023 when nearly everyone has had their resources depleted during the pandemic – whether psychological, financial or both. 

For those struggling to stay afloat financially, there can barely be time to reflect on one’s mental wellbeing. And the warning signs are easy to miss, Crepaz-Keay says. 

“If your sleep is starting to go, that’s something to take note of,” he explains. That can mean struggling to fall asleep at night or waking up very early. It can also look like sleeping a lot more than usual and at unusual times. “It’s a really common indicator of poor mental health, but it’s also a really common trigger for it. And that is going to have a very quick effect on your mental health, your physical health, and your ability to make the right decisions about how you deal with all of it.” 

If you’re facing money worries and haven’t had time to check in with yourself, it can be helpful to know what to look out for. These are some of the other most common signs that your mental wellbeing is starting to slip and that you should seek support before it gets worse – whether that’s emotional support or advice from debt and poverty experts

Reduced interest in things you know you enjoy 

If you’re feeling less enthusiasm for the interests and activities which were previously important parts of your life, and the feelings persist for weeks or months, that can be an indicator that something isn’t right. It doesn’t have to be a sudden, dramatic aversion to your interests – you might find that you just don’t connect with the excitement you know you once felt.

Changes in appetite 

Maybe you find that eating regular meals has dropped down your priority list and it’s a chore to eat when you know you should. Or maybe your previously sufficient appetite has increased, and you find yourself inclined to eat more at times when you feel down. These symptoms are extremely common, and support services will take you seriously without judgement if you choose to discuss them. 

Unexplained physical problems

You might have developed recurring headaches, persistent aches and pains or digestive troubles which neither you nor your doctor have found an obvious explanation for.

Irritability and impatience 

If you find yourself far quicker to snap at others than you once were, or you have a lot less tolerance for the people around you, it could indicate that you are struggling to cope with things yourself. 

Less productivity at work 

Have you gone from feeling competent and organised at work to feeling like it’s a struggle to stay on top of things, despite an unchanged workload? This, and difficulties concentrating or staying on task, can suggest that your mental resources are lowered. This can affect your self-esteem – or maybe you already feel like your self-esteem is lower than it once was. 

Social withdrawal 

It might have started as being slower to respond to friends’ texts and calls, and maybe as time has gone on you find that you’re making the effort to see others less than you used to. You might be aware of this and feel like you don’t have the energy to change it, and you might feel lonely despite it. Maybe you’re turning to numbing behaviours, like spending a disproportionate amount of time scrolling social media or playing video games, where you once would have been looking to spend time with your community. 

If you’re worried about your mental health and your symptoms persist or are noticed by others, it might be worth getting advice. You can speak to your GP – organisations like the Mental Health Foundation and Mind have tips for how to go about this often-difficult conversation – or contact expert organisations for guidance and support.

You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org