Debt Stress & Mental Health. Free Advice. StepChange (2024)

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Things are hard for a lot of us right now. Stress is a normal response to that.

You are not alone. We can help.

Get free debt help now

Six-step guide to dealing with debt and stress

Our step-by-step guide is for anyone weighed down by money worries.

It can help you:

  1. Spot the signs of debt stress in your life
  2. Talk to someone you trust about your worries
  3. Get debt advice if you need it
  4. Make your creditors aware of any issues you have and how they can support you
  5. Take small steps towards a better financial future
  6. Connect with others who know what you're going through

For more on debt and mental health, visit our page here.

Our expert team helps thousands of people every week. Free debt help is available online 24/7.

Debt Stress & Mental Health. Free Advice. StepChange (21)

Asking for help can be hard.

Are debts causing you stress? Do you feel you never have the time?

Whatever the barrier, let’s deal with it together.

Find out more here.

6 steps to dealing with debt stress

1. Spot the signs of debt stress

You cannot deal with a problem until you see it.

Signs that debt problems are causing you stress may include:

  • Feeling sad, sick or overwhelmed when you think about debt
  • Finding it hard to sleep or eat
  • Avoiding friends, family and loved ones
  • Finding it hard to focus on work or other tasks
  • Dealing with depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses

Sudden changes to your life can also cause a lot of worry.

Do not be afraid to seek out the support you need. Thousands of people are struggling, for many different reasons. You are not alone, and there is a way forward.

2. Talk to someone you trust

Is there anyone you feel comfortable talking to?

It can be hard to talk about debt. But sharing what you are going through can help you feel less alone.

The NHS has a list of organisations to help support you if you cannot talk to a loved one.

You can also find lots of helpful resources on NHS Every Mind Matters.

3. Get in touch with us for debt advice

You may wonder what we can do to help you.

At a glance:

  • We give free and confidential advice
  • Our advisors help thousands of people every year
  • We help you take control of your situation

Find out more about why you should trust us with your debt problem.

You may worry about money even on a debt solution. You can still get in touch.

4. Let your creditors know you need support

You may be able to get help from your creditors.

Let them know if stress is impacting your payments.

  1. Chat to a health or care professional
  2. Ask them to sign a debt and mental health evidence form (DMHEF)
  3. Send the DMHEF to the people you owe

This lets your doctor share information with them about your mental health

They want to help with your money worries, not make them worse.

5. Take the first step out of debt worry

Dealing with debts can be overwhelming, but there are small things you can do that have a big impact.

Start by visiting our debt calculator tools page. Find out:

  • If you have problem debt
  • If debt consolidation is right for you
  • If there are any benefits you can claim
  • If you can release equity

Sign up to our 7 Days, 7 Ways email programme. It helps you:

  • Make a budget
  • Sort your priorities
  • Build savings
  • Increase your income

6. Talk to people who know what it is like

Now it's over to you...

Take two minutes to answer a few simple questions, and we will find the best way to help you.

Get help now

Hear from people we've helped

Every year, we help over 650,000 people resolve their problems, repay their debts and rebuild their lives.Find out how we helped them regain control of their finances.

Read our clients' stories

Related articles

  • How creditors must treat vulnerable customers
  • Dealing with the debts of a vulnerable person
  • Power of attorney. Dealing with other people's debts
Debt Stress & Mental Health. Free Advice. StepChange (2024)
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