Money and mental health are often linked. Poor mental health can make managing money harder and worrying about money can make your mental health worse.

Here are some examples of how your mental health and your money worries might affect each other:

Sorting things out can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task.

Try taking things one step at a time. These suggestions might help get you started.

• Understand your behaviour
• Talk things through with someone you trust
• Get organised
• Get professional advice
• Look after yourself

1. Understand your behaviour

Your mental health can affect how you manage money in lots of different ways. Recognising those patterns can help you find solutions that work for you.

• Think about when you spend money and why.
• Think about what aspects of money make your mental health worse – is it talking to people, opening envelopes, confrontation or when people get things wrong? Or is it something else?

A big stressor for me is having to deal with major companies who get the bills wrong.

• It could help to keep a diary of your spending. Try and record what you spent and why. Keep a record of your mood too. This could help you work out any triggers or patterns. 
• When you understand more about your behaviour you can think about what might help. Sometimes just being aware of these patterns can help you feel more in control.

Here are some examples of things that other people have found helpful.

If you spend a lot when you are unwell 

If you feel anxious about speaking to people or dealing with letters and bills

2. Talk things through with someone you trust

Sharing your worries and talking things through can be a relief. But it isn't always easy. Try and choose a quiet moment when the other person isn't distracted. It can sometimes help to make notes first or even write everything in a letter.

Here are some people who might be able to help.

• A friend or family member.
• A support worker or health professional.
• Your local Mind may be able to help you work out who to talk to. They may also be able to help you get an advocate (someone who can give you support to express your wishes and make sure your voice is heard).
• Student services. If you are a student, you might find it helpful to talk to your tutor or someone in student services. They may be able to help you apply for additional grants or bursaries.
• Peer support. If you don't feel comfortable talking to family or friends, you could consider looking for some peer support from other people who have been there. See our info on peer support for some suggestions.
• Samaritans. Money worries can make you feel trapped and hopeless. If you are finding it difficult to see a way forward you could talk to Samaritans for free on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org. Our page on suicidal feelings might help too. 

Money, mental health and relationships

Money worries can put a strain on relationships for lots of different reasons.

• You may find it hard to rely on your partner for money when you are unwell.
• You may find it hard to talk to your partner about your debt or spending.
• You and your partner may find it hard if they have to stop you spending when you're unwell. You might feel angry or frustrated with each other.

Some people find it helpful to ask other people to help them manage their money when they are unwell.

Relate can offer relationship support and counselling. They also provide some online advice to help you talk to your partner about money.

If your partner stops you having access to money as a way of controlling you, this could be financial abuse. The Money Advice Service has more info on what kind of behaviour is financial abuse and where you can go for help.

3. Get organised

I did some permitted work recently which has helped me to pay off a credit card. And I feel a lot better…in more control.

4. Get professional advice

It can feel very hard to talk about money problems and ask for help. You may find it hard to do things that make you anxious or tired, for example using the phone, waiting for an appointment or going to an unfamiliar building.

If you've had a bad experience with an advisor or a bank in the past, you might feel as if there's no point in trying again.

But there are lots of places and people who want to help you. Sometimes getting professional advice can be a real relief.

Our useful contacts page has lots of information about places that can help with different kinds of money issues.

If you feel you need more help with your mental health, have a look at our information on seeking help for a mental health problem.

5. Look after yourself

Money worries can have a big impact on your general wellbeing, which can sometimes make it even harder to take positive steps.

It can help to try and notice when your mood and behaviour start to change and think about what you can do to help yourself. This can help you feel more in control and prevent money problems getting worse.

Are these things affecting how you feel? What could you do to change them?

This information was published in November 2016. We will revise it in 2019.