If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake thinking about money, you’re not alone. Most of us, at some point, have felt the weight of financial worry. What’s less often spoken about is how closely our financial wellbeing and our mental health are connected — each influencing the other in powerful ways.
According to the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, people experiencing problem debt are significantly more likely to struggle with their mental health — and those living with mental health challenges are more likely to find themselves in financial difficulty. It’s a cycle that can feel difficult to escape.
How the cycle works
When we’re under financial strain, stress and anxiety can creep in. These emotions make it harder to focus, make decisions, or even face our finances at all. At the same time, poor mental health can affect our ability to earn, plan, and manage money confidently — leading to further financial strain.
It’s a loop that feeds on itself:
- Mental health challenges can make it harder to work or manage bills.
- Financial difficulty can increase anxiety and feelings of isolation.
- That stress, in turn, can make it even harder to take positive steps forward.
Breaking the cycle
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face financial worry alone. Speaking to someone — whether that’s a financial planner, a friend, or a support service — can make a real difference. Sometimes a small step, like creating a simple plan or sharing your concerns, is enough to ease the pressure.
Charities such as Mind, Family Action, National Debtline, and Turn2us offer free and confidential support for anyone struggling with the overlap between money and mental health. They can help you find practical solutions, emotional support, or simply a listening ear.
A balanced perspective
At Serenity, we believe that true financial wellbeing is about more than numbers. It’s about peace of mind — feeling in control and confident that your money is working to support the life you want.
If you ever feel that financial stress is beginning to impact your wellbeing, please know that help is available — and taking the first step to talk about it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
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