Psyche People with money worries have more suicidal thoughts

Money problems pose serious health risks

Stress, anxiety, anger, depression, isolation - money problems are often associated with health risks. An English representative survey recently showed that one in six people with money problems even have suicidal thoughts.

The British aid organization "Mental Health UK" recently published the results of a survey by the market research institute "YouGov", in which over 2,000 British adults participated. The survey was about health consequences of money problems. "The results show just how malignant the mental health and money cycle can be," says Brian Dow, director of "Mental Health UK," in a press release to the survey.

Money worries can be at the root of many mental health problems that, at worst, drive you to suicide. (Image: marcus_hofmann / fotolia.com)

Guilt and shame - There is rarely talk of money problems

According to the results, 25 percent of adults with money problems feel guilty. 41 percent of respondents are ashamed of their debts. Only about one in three (28 percent) talk about these problems and 50 percent of those with money problems did not know where to get help.

Increased alcohol consumption and depression

Fifteen percent of respondents said they drink more alcohol and smoke more (13 percent) to better manage the problem. In addition, 65 percent of the subjects reported more stress in everyday life, 62 percent feel heightened anxiety, 20 percent expressed increased irritability and anger.

Isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts

23 percent of respondents have become increasingly isolated because of money worries. 44 percent showed symptoms of depression. One in six people (16 percent) even thought about suicide.

Financial difficulties are not a rare problem

The group of people with money problems is anything but small. Almost three out of ten (27 percent) had some money worries, according to the survey. "Mental Health UK" estimates that four million people in the UK are at risk of mental health problems due to financial difficulties.

Dangerous package

"People feel embarrassed and isolated and do not know where to get help," explains Brian Dow. Stress, anger and depression would lead to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and alcoholism. Of course this only makes the problem worse and so things could go down. As the results show, this can even end in suicidal thoughts, so Dow.

Lack of education about the topic

"We want more people to be aware of the connection between money worries and mental health issues," Dow says. More people who suffer from such problems should recognize them and be able to claim help when they need it, the expert sums up. (Vb)