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Debt Stress Fuels Mental Health Crisis
30 Nov
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.
