Throughout Mental Health Awareness Week, which ends on May 15, free debt help charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland is sharing new statistics which show that despite lockdowns ending and coronavirus restrictions easing, the financial pressure from the cost of living crisis is leaving people in problem debt feeling even more isolated.
The latest survey from the non-profit charity shows that before seeking free debt help, some 60 per cent of its clients felt lonely often or always - an increase on the 51 per cent October and November 2020.
Research also highlighted how two-thirds (64%) often or always felt they had nobody to turn to when they had a problem, a significant jump from 58 per cent over the same period at the start of the pandemic.
Some 68 per cent said that debt meant they were scared to answer the phone and 40 per cent admitted they were afraid to leave the house while 55 per cent were too afraid to answer a knock at the door.
Worryingly, the proportion who thought no one could help them has increased from 34 per cent to 43 per cent since pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Commenting on the figures, CAP Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson, said: “For many of us, the easing of lockdown restrictions in Scotland meant an end to isolation, but for thousands of low income households struggling with problem debt and poverty, the isolation and loneliness they feel is actually getting worse due to the cost of living crisis and mounting debts.
“Right now we know many people are feeling isolated, scared and forgotten as they struggle alone with their debts, not aware of the free help available.”
As part of CAP Scotland’s free Debt Help, the charity offers emotional, practical and community-based support, to help people who feel isolated and reduce loneliness.
Emma continued: “Mental Health Awareness Week is encouraging people to start conversations about loneliness, which I wholeheartedly agree with.
“Living with the kind of constant anxiety that debt creates often leads to feelings of isolation and loneliness.”
Four ways to deal with debt
The Mental Health Foundation identifies debt as creating a considerable burden, made worse by dealing with it alone.
Christians Against Poverty have shared four things to consider if you are dealing with debt.
Don’t ignore your feelings
Stress and anxiety, for example, are your body’s way of responding to pressure and they can sometimes be good things, as they alert you that you’re reaching your emotional limit.
Ignore the warning and you’re likely to feel more and more anxious and irritable.
Your mood, self-esteem, relationships and physical health may all be impacted.
Mind, the mental health charity, can help you understand what you’re feeling and how to deal with it in a healthy way - visit mind.org.uk.
Talk to someone
This might be a friend or family member you trust, or a helpline.
They may be able to point you in the direction of the support you need, or simply be a listening ear to allow you to release the burden you’ve been carrying.
You can contact Samaritans about anything that’s getting you down by calling 116 123.
Split up big tasks
If a task seems overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, break it down into easily achievable chunks, and give yourself credit for completing each one.
For example, if you want to put together a budget, your first step might be to simply make a list of the different things you spend money on each month.
You can sign up to take part in a CAP Money course at capuk.org.
Don’t wait to seek help
Sadly, a quarter of CAP clients wait three years or more before seeking debt help, all the while facing mounting pressure on their mental health.
There are several excellent organisations out there who provide free debt help including:
Contact CAP Scotland on 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org to find out more about the support available in your area.
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