'Mental Health and Debt: New guide to come' blog discussion

stevedavid

Hi ,
If you look at today's scenario most of the population is prone to depression. So i hereby announce Maharishi Transcendental Meditation as a solution to all your life problems.
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Steve
Well, I think that if you're in serious debt, you should get in touch with a company which provides expert debt advice on various solutions to become debt free, and which doesn't take any money for it, like a not for profit organization.
http://www.debtadvicetrust.org/debt/debt-advice.html

ThatGirl_2

MSE, what a fantastic idea!!!! Well done for being so proactive with your work.

From a Girl merely commenting on life's journey so far, with a little help from here and there...

I believe there are two basic human instincts that we need. Firstly, to feel secure i.e. fed, watered and a roof over our heads (preferably a warm comfy bed too!). Secondly, to feel loved - not necessary in the "I love you and feel wobbly at the knees kind of sense" but in the "you are an important person in my life" kind of way, whether as a friend or family member, and I am going to let you know that. This could be with a simple text, a phone call for no other reason than to say hello, popping over for a cup of tea, remembering important occassions, being an ear to listen when someone needs it. This idea of a need to feel loved, could even fall in the first category as a need to feel secure in our relationships with family and friends. If these two basic needs are met throughout our life then it could help cure some, maybe not all, mental health issues (although I am happy to be corrected on this as I am certainly no expert on the matter!).

However, let's face it, we're human and therefore not perfect. People make mistakes. We can be un-trusting, unkind and selfish, but often this is moulded through life events, as we are not born inherently evil. So, without going off on a complete rant about my thoughts on the broader subject, and to cut to what I believe could help resolve some of the root issues of depression and debt, this is my amateur advice...

Be kind, caring and compassionate. Try your hardest not to judge people, you do not know what has happened in their past to make them behave the way they do. Whether people's behaviour may seem bitter and twisted or unkind, perhaps that is how they were treated and they know no better. Some people try to change themselves, to be loved and excepted in society, yet they feel rejected. Sometimes they are too proud, or ashamed by their own behaviour(s) that they do not know where to turn or who to confide in, until it is too late. All people really need is to feel loved and worthy in this world.

So, I propose let's all start today by showing a little compassion and understanding to our human race. Let's try our hardest not not to judge others. To make this possible, we need to be able to forgive each other. It is one of the hardest things to do, but believe me, it is worth it ten-fold!

But hey, I am not that naive, life is not so simple. It will take time, determination and patience - great human qualities. It is not easy to admit you need help, or you need a friend to talk too. It is not easy to put yourself out there and be rejected. BUT, if we all make a concerted effort, then wouldn't the world be a better place?

Try it when you next go out, smile at someone you pass on the street - I bet more often than not, they will smile back. When you next pay for your groceries, look the cashier in the eye, smile and say thank you when you have paid, you may just make their day.

If these are simple things for you, then try calling that old friend or family member that you have been meaning to get in touch with, or just haven't been able to because you hold some grudge. Forgive them. At the end of the day does it really matter? Think back, were they born evil. NO! No one was born that way, something must have happened that either threatened their security or their need for love. This threat of insecurity and a feeling of being unloved or unworthy of your love, is what makes people angry, hurt and therefore resentful. So, again I say be kind, caring and compassionate. It will get you so much further in life than being stuck in your own self pity.

I sincerely hope this helps someone...and hopefully someone else that they may reach out to with their support.

newleaf

Lovely post TG.

Ruth_Parsons

Congratulations Martin and best wishes for this venture.
Having always been interested in psychological well-being and after working on a Financial Helpline, I had a book published nearly 20yrs ago combining the two subjects.
'Deal with Debt' is now updated and being re-published. It was written to address the high levels of stress that money worries bring. Together with the practical information needed to tackle money problems, there are sections on topics such as Relaxation, Assertiveness, Education, Staying Healthy etc. to provide a rounded approach for a return to financial and psychological health.
It sounds as though we agree that a great deal more work needs to be done in this area and I would love to hear any comments or suggestions that you have, or indeed if we could work together in any way.