MoneySaving Poll: Does mental health affect your debts?

Former_MSE_Darryl

Poll started 6 May 2014

We're updating our research on links between mental health issues & debt problems. It's argued either one can cause the other. If you’ve been affected, see our Mental Health and Debt guide.

Does mental health affect your debts? Please exclude mortgages and student loans from definition of "debt".

I (and my partner) have NEVER had mental health problems
NEVER been in debt
Only ever had limited debts
Bigger debts, but not a problem
Severe or crisis debts

I (or my partner) HAVE / HAVE HAD mental health problems
NEVER been in debt
Only ever had limited debts
Bigger debts, but not a problem
Severe or crisis debts

Vote in this week's poll

Did you vote? Are you surprised at the results so far? Have your say below. To see the results from last time, click this

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socks_uk

My husband is currently under Stepchange due to him spending on credit cards due to him having Schizophrenia. I'm pleased to say his credit rating is ZERO now so hopefully he can't get any more credit that way but I worry about the 'Wonga' type places.

Gordon_the_Moron

Do you include 0% credit cards where you've got enough saved earning interest to cover the amount borrowed as 'debts'? (technically they are)

Ectophile

The question is so badly worded, I don't know how to answer it. Anyone who has ever had a mortgage has had big debts. So I really ought to tick the "bigger debts, but not a problem" option. But I don't think that is what the poll writer intended.

webwiz

I assume 'debts' does not include mortgages?

happyinflorida

You can - with the person's permission - get notes put on credit reference agencies advising that the person should not be offered any credit facilities at all, this helps people with mental health problems who sometimes cannot stop themselves from taking out credit that they will later regret.

MSE_Martin

Ectophile wrote: »

The question is so badly worded, I don't know how to answer it. Anyone who has ever had a mortgage has had big debts. So I really ought to tick the "bigger debts, but not a problem" option. But I don't think that is what the poll writer intended.

I think you may've missed this bit (to be fair to you it wasn't included in the top of this thread, but was in the actual vote, I've now had it added here too)


"NOTE: Please exclude mortgages and student loans from definition of debt"


The key to this poll is one of self-definition - both on what is mental health and what is debt crisis. The poll results are pretty plain (sadly)

MSE_Martin

To an extent yes, but thast doesn't help with existing borrowing facilities and also sadly doesn't help when they have transitory problems which many mental health issues are.

LameWolf

I suppose I'm "lucky" in a way; my General Anxiety Disorder includes a total phobia of debt. The very idea of owing money - even a couple of quid - makes me go cold all over.

Tojo_Ralph

MSE_Martin wrote: »

The poll results are pretty plain (sadly)

With the link between mental health and debt having been long established, the results were realistically a given. It is inevitable that most folk suffering mental health problems will have their earning potential impacted, along most likely with their ability to manage money effectively and seek support. Thus they are more at risk of being more reliant on government handouts, a low income and thus more susceptible to debt than a healthy person.

IMHO, the poll would have provided a far better insight into mental health and debt if there had been a third question.

I (or my partner) HAVE / HAVE HAD health problems
NEVER been in debt
Only ever had limited debts
Bigger debts, but not a problem
Severe or crisis debts

The third question would have provided debt comparisons to be made between those suffering general health problems and those suffering mental health problems.