Has Your Debt Ever Caused A Mental Health Problem?

Sea78

Bunnyinthelights wrote: »

Yes,
It wasn't the cause of my PND but I'm sure it made it worse. I am also sure that I overspent in an attempt to 'feel better' which didn't work. (nothing like stating the obvious is there?)

Bunny

Agree with this - spending made me feel worthwhile (going back years) and then when depressed, spending placated the feelings somewhat but I don't think it caused it...just added to it all.

Stress_Head_6

I had PND.. which led to me overspending on the search for that 5 minutes of glory. NOW I no longer have PND.... but have severe depression because I cant cope with all this creditor bull! There really should be a stop to them.. I wonder how many children are growing up without a parent due to these !!!!!!!s!

xx

gemsaysdontdodebtkids

I am in debt because of my mental health problems! I have bipolar disorder, and a lot of my loans and credit cards were taken out when I was euphoric and didn't even entertain the idea that there might be repercussions. It's not an excuse, I am still to blame, but it has had an impact. I have also made some massive purchases (computers, clothes etc) during manic phases.

wherediditallgo

I don't think debt itself necessarily causes mental illness, it's more caused by the trying to deal with it. There's the stress of keeping it secret, for one. Add to that, the robbing Peter to pay Paul, the sudden unforeseen expenses that hit you just when you think things can't get any worse (why are emergency spends never small ones?), trying to run a household & hold down a job, listen to other people telling you their woes when you feel too embarrassed to share yours, & you can see why depression slowly creeps up on people. Some take to drink or drugs, some take it out on their loved ones with sudden bursts of anger, but all of it takes its toll on them on others around them at some level, & then guilt is added to the burden.

I've had loads of illness over the last few years, & I'm 100% certain that if I hadn't had money problems, my recoveries after each surgery would have been speedier & more complete. For instance, my doctor told me to work less hours, but when others are doing it, you don't want to be the only one not doing it, because it looks like you're not acting as part of the team, when in reality you don't feel up to it. Also, I'd have loved to get away some weekends for a short break, but I couldn't afford to even take a short break in the UK. A friend who isn't in debt only ever gets letters trying to sell her things or positive letters from friends/family. She doesn't earn loads, but she's able to take at least 3 weeks holiday every year plus short breaks. She doesn't have any debt, & doesn't have work-related stress either. I'm sure the stress of debt & not being able to get away from it even for short periods of time contributes to mental illness.

Storm

Hmm, well as far as I believe, depression and many other mental health illnesses are exactly that - illnesses, often caused by chemical imbalances in the brain etc, so I don't think that debt itself causes them. However, debt definitely adds stress to your life, so it can affect your mental wellbeing in that way.

The biggest thing for me I think is that when I'm having a down day then I'm far more likely to go out and overspend (or overeat, or both!) and so it adds to the debt level, which adds to the stress...

It also means that you can't neccessarily escape stressful situations - i.e. I hate my job at the moment, but don't feel I can leave until I find something on at least the same salary - without the debts I'd just quit and go temping until something came up!

hypno06

Being in debt can take over your life - constantly trying to work out what might happen if....., fearing the phone ringing or the postman coming, not being able to sleep properly for months, or years, on end, having nightmares about bailiffs coming for your possessions, constantly having to rob Peter to Pay Paul, making excuses and lying to those close to you about why you can't do this, or go there, and worrying everytime you hand over a card for payment at the petrol station or the supermarket incase it is rejected.

All of the above have applied (and sometimes still do) to me over the last 5 years or so and have certainly contributed to me being on the edge. However, I have never been diagnosed with depression or any other mental health issues. I certainly have days where I really feel I cannot cope with it, and once even told some stupid mare from Egg on the phone that I can understand why some people throw themselves under trains. At that point she felt unable to continue the conversation and had to pass me over to someone who had "special training in these circumstances"!

Until I reach my DFD, I will live this stressful life, but boy will I sleep well in May 2010 (although by that time my DD will be almost 16 so I may be having sleepless nights and stress for entirely different reasons!!)