Money on the mind: debt and mental wellbeing

Whilst the effects that debt can have on a person’s life are well known, such as an inability to get credit and no capacity to afford treats and luxuries, debt can also have a far more profound effect on an individual beyond the practicalities of life on the breadline. In fact, the anxiety and stress caused by mounting debt problems can create feelings of hopelessness and desperation and can lead many people to depression.

Indeed, this can also work in reverse, with people suffering from mental health problems and then subsequently going into debt due to their inability to work. It is estimated that one in four people in Britain who suffer from mental health problems are also in some sort of debt or arrears, so there is a clear link between mental wellbeing and financial capacity. And this is why it’s important to take effective action as early on as possible.

For anybody who is struggling to keep up repayments, a debt management plan could be the best way forward from here on. These plans are typically administered by specialist companies who negotiate a set fee with each creditor. The debt management company will then collect the monthly payment and distribute accordingly amongst the creditors. Of course, a small set-up fee and/or monthly fee will normally apply, but at least the debt is being given the attention it requires before the situation deteriorates.

Then there are IVAs (Individual Voluntary Agreements). These allow the individual to pay an agreed, reduced amount of the total amount of the debt. After a set amount of years, the debt is generally considered to be settled. As this is a formal arrangement, an IVA is usually managed by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner (IP).

The important thing to remember in all of this is not to panic or ignore the problem, as unopened bills won’t go away, and it will probably only lead to the situation spiralling even further out of control. It’s always better to pay a small amount than nothing at all, and this is why a debt management plan is the best way forward for many people.

Anxiety and stress caused by mounting debts can lead to mental health problems in many people; but it’s important to tackle the issue of debt at the earliest possible opportunity and ensure it’s managed and monitored in equal measures. Otherwise, what begins as a small problem can escalate and have repercussions for years to come.