How to Find Mental Health Support Services During a Cost of Living Crisis

4th March 20233rd July 2024

Learn how to cope with the strain on incomes caused by the cost of living crisis, and find out what mental health support services are available in the UK that can help maintain positive mental health.

The cost of living crisis is an unfortunate and real phenomenon that is impacting countless numbers of people all over the UK. In the past few months, the rise in household item prices such as heating, food, mortgages and rent has caused a squeeze on incomes for those on low salaries leading to increasing financial strain. The effects of this crisis are far-reaching and can have a serious impact on an individual’s mental health. In this blog post, we will discuss the various support services available to those struggling with the cost of living crisis and how these can help individuals manage their finances and maintain positive mental health even during such difficult times.

Non-urgent advice: Definition and Causes

The cost of living crisis refers to the difficulty people face when it comes to meeting their basic needs due to rising prices and decreasing wages.

This is especially apparent in cities with higher rents than average.

An increase in demand and a decrease in supply or wages are the main causes of this crisis, resulting in rising prices across all industries.

This makes it harder for people with low incomes to access basic necessities like food, housing, transportation, and healthcare.

Impact on Mental Health

The financial strain caused by the cost of living crisis can have a severe impact on mental health and wellbeing. Those who are struggling financially may find themselves feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety as they try to make ends meet each month. For some people, this sense of hopelessness can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts if left unchecked. It is important that those struggling with these issues seek help from qualified professionals or support services as soon as possible in order to prevent further deterioration in their mental health.

Available Support Services

There are numerous organisations that offer support services for those dealing with the cost of living crisis and its effects on mental health. Local councils may be able to provide assistance with rent payments or food vouchers while The Samaritans can provide emotional support over the phone or online chat service 24/7/365 days a year.

There are also many other helplines dedicated specifically to providing relief from stress or depression related issues such as Sleep Aid or Confidence-Building programs offered through various online platforms like Mindful Life Solutions or BetterHelp among others.

Find out what support is available near you

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Healthcare in Greater Manchester is dedicated to providing better care for you and your family. Everyone – from GPs, hospitals, fire and police departments, companies, charities and local community groups – is working together to ensure individuals with health issues get the assistance they need as quickly as possible. Integrated services are essential for enabling all members of the community to stay well and lead a good life. Professionals benefit from increased collaboration between stakeholders.

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Practical Advice

In addition to seeking professional help from one of the aforementioned sources, there are some practical steps individuals can take when dealing with the financial hardship caused by the cost of living crisis:

Budget and set financial goals.

Budgeting and setting financial goals are critical for managing the difficult financial burden of the cost-of-living crisis. Budgeting helps you stay on track and your financial goals can help you not only survive but also remain focused on the bigger picture. It’s important to take both small and large steps in order to achieve measurable progress each day. When it comes to dealing with the strain of living in an expensive area, having a plan is invaluable. Budgeting and goal-setting are two great ways to begin tackling your situation head-on so that you can manage it better.

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Look into government benefits, if you qualify.

For those affected by the cost of living crisis and struggling to make ends meet, government benefits can provide much-needed financial assistance. There are various government benefit programs available, so it is important to research and determine if you qualify for any of them. Trying to take on the burden alone is difficult when facing a financial hardship, and government benefits may be able to offer some relief.

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

Government cost of living support

Sell unused items.

If you find yourself in need of some extra money, look around your home for any items that you can sell. This includes books, clothes, furniture and electronics that may be taking up space but are not being used. Selling these items online or at a yard sale can help to provide some much-needed cash flow when times are tough.

Cut back on non-essential expenses.

In order to make the most of your money, it’s important to re-evaluate your spending habits and determine which expenses are essential and which ones can be eliminated or reduced. Cutting back on non-essential purchases can help to free up more money for necessary costs and allow you to focus on saving for future needs.

Create a support network

Finally, when dealing with the cost of living crisis, it can be helpful to create a strong support network of friends and family. Having people around you who understand your struggles and can provide emotional support can make a huge difference in how you cope with financial hardship. Reaching out for help is an important step towards facing this challenge head-on

If you find yourself struggling financially because of the cost of living crisis then please reach out for help today – don’t wait until things get worse before getting proper assistance! With access to these resources you will be able manage your finances more effectively while maintaining your mental health during this trying period!