Links between debt, #mentalhealthproblems and #suicide must be a priority in #pandemic recovery plans, according to Money and #MentalHealth.
People receiving treatment for #mentalhealthproblems should be routinely asked about their finances as part of urgent action needed to stop a devastating debt cycle, according to a charity.
The Money and #MentalHealth Policy Institute said links between debt, #mentalhealthproblems and #suicide must be a priority in coronavirus #pandemic recovery plans.
GPs A&E departments and community #mentalhealthservices should routinely ask people receiving treatment for #mentalhealthproblems about their finances, and provide clear signposting to help those who need it, the charity said.
Banks, energy companies and other essential services providers should proactively identify customers who may be struggling and improve support, it added.
These shocking findings make it clear that too many people with #mentalhealth and debt problems were excluded from help and allowed to slip through the cracks, and the results have been disastrous.
Money and #MentalHealth, a charity set up by consumer champion Martin Lewis said people with #mentalhealthproblems were more likely to have fallen into serious debt during the #pandemic.
A survey in the summer found that over the previous 12 months, people with #mentalhealthproblems were more than twice as likely to have been behind on at least one payment (37% compared to 14% of those without #mentalhealthproblems).
The charity reported the findings after commissioning a survey of more than 5,000 people with lived experience of a #mentalhealthproblem and 1,000 people without #mentalhealthissues.
The State We’re In report also said that one in four (25%) people with #mentalhealthproblems have no savings that they could use for an urgent or emergency expense, a higher proportion than those without #mentalhealthproblems, at 18%.
Nearly half (46%) of people with a #mentalhealthproblem agreed with the statement, “I can’t afford to regularly save money”, compared with a third (33%) of those without #mentalhealthissues.
People with #mentalhealthproblems were more than twice as likely as those without to have relied on credit or borrowing to cover everyday spending such as on food or heating (26% compared with 11%).
More than two-fifths (44%) of UK #adults with #mentalhealthproblems who fell behind on bills last year either considered or attempted to take their own life, the report found.
It added that many people with #mentalhealth and #financial problems had missed out on payment holidays during the #pandemic.
Prevention is better, and in the long run cheaper for the nation, than cure
#JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Commenting on the research, Mr Lewis, chairman of the Money and #MentalHealth Policy Institute, said: “The #pandemic financially split the nation. Many gained – those who had support and lower costs often built up savings.
“Yet for others, it was catastrophic, and it’s a national tragedy that a disproportionate number of that group are those struggling with their #mentalhealth who missed out on the support they need to avoid reaching crisis point.
“We’re only beginning to understand the full impact of the #pandemic on our lives. But these shocking findings make it clear that too many people with #mentalhealth and debt problems were excluded from help and allowed to slip through the cracks, and the results have been disastrous.
“This is about raising an alarm. Government #healthprofessionals and essential services need to double down on efforts to stop people with #mentalhealthproblems falling further into #financial hardship. Prevention is better, and in the long run cheaper for the nation, than cure.
“I hope the rhetoric about ‘building back better’ from the #pandemic is more than just a soundbite, as there is no time to waste – lives are at stake.”
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
[email protected]
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at [email protected] and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
