78% OF BRITS SAY THAT THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS HAS IMPACTED THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Sat 04 February 2023:

We’ve been through a lot in the past few years, from the pandemic to the cost of living issue, and a new study discovered that it’s having a seismic influence on our mental health.

According to new data from the mental health charity Mind, nearly 80% of Britons think the cost of living crisis has negatively impacted their mental health.

This Time to Talk Day, which occurs on February 2, Mind is encouraging individuals who need to talk about their mental health to reach out to their support networks. The hashtag #TimeToTalkDay is even trending on Twitter to urge people to speak to others.

It comes as the research found that 18% of the 5,000 survey respondents said that the cost of living crisis has decreased how often they are able to make space to speak about their mental health, and 46% said that the reason for this is because “everyone is struggling now and they don’t want to burden others”.

“It’s vital we make space in the day for a conversation about mental health. Yet so many of us are finding that looking after our mental health has taken a back seat,” Sarah Hughes, chief executive of Mind said in a statement.

“Worryingly, we fear stigma if we speak up, we can no longer afford to access the things or places that keep us mentally well, or we don’t want to be a burden on others. We know that talking about our mental health and listening to others speak about their experiences can help us feel less alone, more able to cope, and encouraged to seek support if we need to,” she added.

The research from Mind found that a quarter of people can no longer afford social activities that help them stay mentally well, while one in four (25%) are having to work longer hours due to rising living costs.

UK STUDENTS SKIPPING MEALS BECAUSE OF COST OF LIVING CRISIS: SURVEY

Nearly one in five people (16%) cannot afford to contact their support network over phone or text to have conversations about their mental health, and 18% of people can’t afford to travel and see their regular support networks.

Mind is encouraging people who need to speak about their mental health, to reach out to their support networks this Time to Talk Day, which falls on February 2.

If you are struggling, the best thing you can do is open up to someone so you know you’re not alone.

Mind suggests speaking to friends and family, whether this is a face-to-face conversation, over the phone, or writing them a letter or email.

It also might be useful to practise what you want to say to them first and make some notes, or even note down a scene in a TV series or movie that you’ve seen to show them and explain that that is how you’re feeling.

The charity also says it’s best not to expect too much from them, but know that opening up is the best thing you can do and plan to have more conversations with them and your wider support network.

If you are thinking about reaching out to a friend, or you want to check on someone, charity YoungMinds has suggested a message that could be sent.

“This #TimeToTalkDay, send this message to someone you’re close to,” the charity tweeted, adding, “Talking about our mental health doesn’t have to feel heavy. It can simply be regular conversations about how you’re really feeling. Let’s get talking.”

The message reads, “Hey, I was thinking about you so I thought I’d get in touch. How are you? How have you been feeling lately?”

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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