Please tell us your questions on mental health & debt

United07

So glad to see this topic on here. I am currently in a state over this problem and have sort much advice but feel that this would be the only one place I could trust. Bipolar for 6 years, currently on sick from work having tried a phased return, have been advised that I could go on Employment and Support Allowance until I feel ready for full time work again. Would like to leave work before they sack me. Have looked into some part time work and it seems to be out there so thats a road I could take. What upsets me though is that I have to go out looking for advice, search websites, or I come across something by mistake. There doesnt seem to be a complete website that helps people get straight to what they need to know about mental health and finance. Im tired of struggling, tired of trying to please everyone else, tired of trying to sort myself out without being penalised, disapproved of or cast aside. It seems that unless they see a plaster, visible blood, scares, crutches, bandages or your lying in a coma, noone thinks there is anything wrong with you. Mental illness is a CRIPPLING illness and I have many times wanted to end my life because we dont get the help and advice we need when it comes to money, work, benefits.

Thanks Martin for raising this issue - I look forward to some damn good advice:j

Cheers Kate

Nannabess

I'd like to know how having benefits for mental health would affect repaying debts. Also who to talk to would be useful.

United07

Im glad Im not the only one who realises the "money spending" issue with Bipolar. I have always thought I was crap with money and irresponsible but now I realise its my illness. Unless someone has it they will never understand this - keep in touch bipo friend. Take Care

SouWestsaver

PLEASE help all those with Mental Health problems particularly bi-polar and depression.
They need help with:
1) Advice on debt run up whilst ill.e.g. credit cards when items bought whilst ill.
2) Council Tax when they cannot pay
3)Mortgages when they cannot pay
4)Overdrafts when they cannot pay the debt off
5)Management charges on communal property
6)Ground rent on lease property
7)Employers who are unsympathetic to mental illness and try to dismiss
8)Help with utilities, telephones [land and mobile],gas,electricity,water
9)Any advice and help from the state.
10)Any help from NHS the community services etc.

These poor people who are genuinely ill need help from MSE.

woodstockpeace

my son has been long term sick with mental health issues for years now and there has been a lot of struggle with money over the years. recently he has been told that instead of being paid fortnightly in advance he is going to be paid at the end of the 2 weeks. therefore he will be without money for 2 weeks. i think this is really irresponsible and think about people who don't have someone who can help them like my son. it then leaves me out of pocket because he won't be able to pay me back.
getting a crisis loan just puts a lot of stress onto him (as has happened in the past). people don't seem to realise how this type of thing can affect people suffering with mental health problems.

System

Hi

Thanks for putting this together it is an excellent thread.

Most of my debts came from when I was on antidepressants. I was meticulous about my finances before and after, but I really think the antidepressants affected my judgement. I was much more laidback and so just thought "hey, I'll stick it on plastic, it'll be fine. "

It would be really good to make people aware that medication can affect their judgement, to be vigilant for this from the start.

scrivette

It might be worth putting something in to say that debt can lead to mental health issues, my husband became very stressed and the finances were the first thing that he let slide, which caused him more stress and he is now suffering from depression.

rubytuesday

United07 wrote: »

Im glad Im not the only one who realises the "money spending" issue with Bipolar. I have always thought I was crap with money and irresponsible but now I realise its my illness. Unless someone has it they will never understand this - keep in touch bipo friend. Take Care

I also have Bipolar, fortunately I don't go on a mad spending spree when I am ill unlike a lot of others.

simone6333

Ive recently bought a house but cant find anyone who will give me life insurance on the mortgage. One of the factors is I have been ill with depression and off work for the last year. I wouldnt even mind if they made death due to the Bipolar Disorder an exclusion but my parner would be left with a mortgage he couldnt afford on his own if I died. ? Any ideas

simone6333

I agree with work problems. I am off work with Bipolar Depression and Agoraphobia at the moment and my employer is insisting I do a 10 hour round trip to Head Office every other month to see Occupational Health!
If employers were more sympathetic and helped reduce stress loads, maybe many of us wouldnt relapse in the first place!
Ive heard under disability law (and with Schizophrenia and Bipolar we are counter under this), employers HAVE to help you regarding work stress - and if they dont and you have to leave, they can be sued for constructive dismissal. Some information on exactly what our rights with employment and disabilities are would be really helpfull