People living in poverty or experiencing financial stress are more likely to develop mental health problems, according to recent research by the Mental Health Foundation. The foundation is highlighting this fact as part of Mental Health Awareness week running from Monday 15 May to Sunday 21 May 2023.
Mental health awareness week is a time for us all to think about mental health and explore how we can create a society that protects mental health and prevents problems from developing. The theme this year is anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion, but it can sometimes get out of control.
Research released by the Mental Health Foundation in January 2023 titled ‘Mental health and the cost-of-living crisis’ suggests that many people (a quarter of all adults) are feeling so anxious due to their finances that it is stopping them from engaging in activities that are good for their mental health.
A survey of adults over 18 from across the UK found that due to anxiety around the cost-of-living:
- 3 in 10 adults are having poorer quality sleep
- 23% are meeting their friends less often
- 15% are pursuing hobbies less often
- 12% are exercising less frequently
The Mental Health Foundation reported an increase in the number of people across the UK going without the basic living essentials such as food and heating. It expects the effects of the cost-of-living crisis on mental health to be of a similar scale to the covid pandemic with “poverty and financial stress likely to rise over the next few years”.
Supporting people who use foodbanks across Chichester District
At Chichester District Foodbanks, this is not new information. Not only have we seen record numbers of people needing to use our foodbank in the past 12 months but those who attend our sessions have talked about the impact of hardship on their mental health.
In response, we have partnered with Chichester District Council and the Samaritans to provide additional support in our foodbank sessions at our Chichester Hub.
A Supporting You advisor from Chichester District Council will be attending our afternoon session every Wednesday from 2-4pm. The Samaritans will also be attending one session a fortnight (days will vary) to listen to anyone who needs to talk.
What can we do to cope with feelings of anxiety?
Anxiety is something we all experience from time to time. But if it gets out of control then it can stop us from doing the things we want or need to do. The longer we feel anxious for, the harder it is to get back on track.
The mental health foundation has some useful suggestions of how we can manage our anxiety and what to do if we need more support. You’ll find out what we can do to cope with feelings of anxiety and more on their website.