Why are patients seeing a GP for debt problems?

Patients are presenting with mental health issues exacerbated by the stress and pressure of their personal debt levels.

What are the main causes of debt in North East England?

The primary causes are the rising cost of living and a lack of control over personal finances.

Are people borrowing money for luxuries or essentials?

People are increasingly borrowing to cover essential costs like food and fuel, rather than for luxuries.

Home / Health / Debt Stress Fuels Mental Health Crisis

Debt Stress Fuels Mental Health Crisis

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

GP notes patients with debt stress suffer mental health issues.
North East England has second-highest debt problem cases.
Cost of living and finance control are top debt causes.

A growing number of patients are presenting with mental health concerns directly linked to the intense stress of personal debt, according to a General Practitioner. This worrying trend is particularly pronounced in North-east England, which ranks second only to London for individuals needing professional debt assistance. Citizens Advice highlights that many are forced to borrow money just to cover basic necessities like food and heating.

Data from debt charity StepChange indicates that in 2024, the North East had the highest concentration of clients struggling with debt, with 37 out of every 10,000 adults seeking help. The most cited reasons for falling into debt are the escalating cost of living, affecting 19.3% of clients, and a feeling of having no control over their finances, reported by 19%.

These figures surpass the UK-wide statistics for these issues. The GP observes patients working multiple jobs, often alongside caring for relatives, leading to severe burnout and mental health deterioration. The debt experienced is not from frivolous spending but from the fundamental challenge of making ends meet, highlighting a critical cost-of-living crisis.