Being in debt can make mental health problems worse, according to a
study published today.

It also revealed that people with mental health problems are almost
three times more likely to be in debt than those without them.

Researchers working for mental health charity Mind spoke to more than
1,800 people across England and Wales and found that 924 said they had
problems with debt and mental health issues.

Of those, 91% said debt had adversely affected their mental health and
more than 50% were living on a weekly household income of less than
GBP200
- the Government defined poverty line.

Mind has called for bank workers and debt collectors to be given mental
health awareness training and also wants an inquiry into how bailiffs
deal with mentally-ill people.

Mind's chief executive, Paul Farmer, said: "UK personal debt stands at a
staggering GBP1.4 trillion but the real cost here is that on our mental
health.

"Money worries aren't just keeping people awake at night - they are
causing high levels of stress, depression and in some cases self-harm
and suicidal thoughts.

"At a time when people across the country are anxious about their
finances, debt depression is a real and growing concern."