Mental Health Awareness Week: Cost of Living Crisis

The cost of living crisis is affecting the mental health of millions. Having so much to deal with can affect your mental health. Manchester Mind can’t fix the cost of living crisis. But we can help you and people you know feel more able to cope.

The uncertainty of watching as our costs spiral can be difficult to bear. The worry of how we’ll get by and support our families is piling on the pressure. But for so many of us, looking after our mental health is often last on our list.

And for those of us who are already struggling with money, the crisis is even more brutal. So many of us on lower incomes were already making impossible decisions between basics like food, clothing and fuel. This has only got worse. And prioritising our mental health has become more difficult.

As individuals, as families, as communities – we can’t afford to ignore the impact on our mental health. Whether it’s ourselves, our loved ones, our colleagues, our neighbours or strangers. Every one of us needs to know we’re not alone.

Get support

It can start to feel like a vicious cycle because our mental health may make earning and managing money harder whilst worrying about money can also make our mental health worse.

We can often feel embarrassed or overwhelmed when talking about money and mental health problems, but you are not alone. Let us tackle them both, together.

• Cost of living– Across Manchester there is a network of charities and support groups that work to provide local people with food, clothing and other essentials. Visit our cost of living local help page to access advice if you’re struggling to purchase essential items or pay your bills.
• Debt– Many people have fallen into debt as a result of the cost of living crisis. Visit our debt advice page for information on how to manage debt.
• Benefits– If you have limited income it’s important to check you’re receiving the correct benefits. For advice on benefits visit our page here.
• Mental Health and Money– Learning how mental health and money are connected might help if you are struggling. Find out more about the relationship between money and mental health.
• Organising finances– If you’re feeling out of control with your finances read our tips to help organise your finances.
• Support sessions– If you’re struggling with your mental health we would like to invite you to one of our support sessions where you can let us know what may help you, learn about the support available for your mental health or sign up for one of our other sessions.
• Urgent help– If you need urgent help, here is a list of services that can provide support.