Under Embargo until
30/12/09 00:01 - NHS Stressline tackles New Year money blues 0300
123 2000
As the New Year
approaches, people who are worried about debt, housing and
employment will get practical and emotional support from a new NHS
helpline launched today by Phil Hope, Care Services Minister.
NHS Stressline callers will receive practical information and
advice from trained health advisors. If they are suffering from
stress, anxiety or depression, they will be directed to a wider
package of financial and mental health support. The Stressline
number is 0300 123 2000 and it is open daily from 8am-10pm
.
The helpline, which has been successfully piloted, is linked to
the Government’s flagship Talking Therapies programme and will be
the focus of a new public awareness campaign in the New Year.
The facts show:
· Debt can be a cause and a consequence of mental health
problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression, but often people
do not know where to seek help;
· Nearly half the UK population worried about money and debt in 2009;
· A quarter of people with mental health problems experience
debt, but a third of people these people do not seek help for
financial difficulties; and
· Average household debt in the UK is £9,120 excluding mortgages.
Phil Hope, Care Services Minister, said,
“After the festive season many of us take a long hard look at
our finances. Tightening our belts and getting out of debt always
features high on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But debt can
have a serious impact on a person's mental wellbeing,
causing stress, depression and even suicidal thoughts.
“The NHS Stressline is there to help improve people’s mental and
financial wellbeing. Whether it’s practical advice, emotional
support or the first step in getting treatment for depression, it
will give people real help to tackle their money worries.”
Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct Mental Health
Lead, said:
“We know the credit crunch hits people in many different ways,
and job insecurity, redundancy, debt and money problems can all
cause feelings of distress and helplessness.
“Throughout this pilot stage we’ve seen some very poignant
examples of how the NHS Stressline has already helped people. Like
the 49-year-old man who had just lost his job and felt unable to
tell his wife, so continued to act as if he was going to work
every day whilst secretly contemplating suicide. Or the
28-year-old woman who was stressed and anxious about her mounting
debt due to a cut in her hours at work and felt she didn’t have
anywhere to turn.
“In these cases, our trained health advisors listened and
offered sympathetic, relevant support and advice that helped them
both take control of their situation. Additionally, the lady was
pointed to a service which could provide specific help with her
finances and in the gentleman’s case, as with anyone feeling
extremely distressed or suicidal, an NHS Direct nurse advisor was
available for a further assessment.”
Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:
“Money worries and fears about job security have the potential
to trigger mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
When people are faced with piles of bills and deep emotional
despair the future can seem bleak and it can be difficult to know
where to turn for advice. We would encourage anyone experiencing
these difficulties to contact the NHS Stressline for support and
advice.”
Notes to Editors
About the NHS Stressline
The NHS Stressline number is 0300 123 2000 and it is open daily
from 8am-10pm
.
The stressline has been in a trial period since July 2009 and has
already helped 1,000 people to get help. Over 150 people have been
advised to access health services and over 50 per cent of callers
have been signposted to information services for debt management,
employment or housing.
Mental health stats
One in six people have a mental health condition.
Mental Health costs the country £77 billion a year (£2,000 a
second).
13 per cent of the NHS budget goes on mental health.
Mental ill-health is the most common reason for claiming
health-related benefits.
The cost of lost employment because of ill mental health is
approximately £26.1 billion.
8.65 million people in England have a mental health problem and
this is set rise by over 1.2 million (14.2 per cent) by 2026 to
9.88 million.
A Citizens Advice Bureau survey found that 62 per cent of
clients reported stress, anxiety or depression in 2001. 48 per
cent of these had not sought treatment from a GP because
embarrassment (62 per cent), not knowing who to ask (45 per cent),
or thinking that no one would be able to help (47 per cent).
Contacts:
Department of Health
Phone: 020 7210 5221
NDS.DH@coi.gsi.gov.uk