It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is anxiety.
Across Scotland, more than one million adults are experiencing levels of anxiety that is stopping them from living their lives.
More than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation with the mounting pressure of the cost of living crisis.
The purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week is to encourage everyone to think about mental health and tackle the stigma that surrounds it.
The Mental Health Foundation aims to create an understanding society that prevents mental health problems from developing in the first place and encourages everyone to thrive.
Alexa Knight, Director of England at the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We’ve chosen anxiety as the Mental Health Awareness Week theme this year to kickstart a nationwide conversation, encouraging people to share their own experiences and any helpful ideas on how they manage their anxiety.
“We all feel anxious from time to time.
“Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us but it’s important that we recognise and respond when we feel anxious so that our anxiety doesn’t become overwhelming.”
The Mental Health Foundation are encouraging people to share tips about how they cope with their anxiety under the hashtags #ToHelpMyAnxiety and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the more common and well-known mental health problems faced by millions of people every day.
It relates to a feeling of unease or worry that may be severe or mild.
Those suffering with anxiety may find that their feelings are constant and can affect their daily life. They can affect those suffering both mentally and physically.
Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Feeling of unease, worry or fear
- Noticing an increase in heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Breathlessness or chest pain
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Struggling to sleep
- Struggling to concentrate
If you feel that you may be experiencing anxiety, we recommend seeing a healthcare professional such as your local GP.
Anxiety varies from person to person. For some, becoming more active, practicing breathing techniques, seeking debt advice, or an improvement in diet may reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Financial Stress
Debt and mental health problems are intricately linked.
In a recent Trust Deed Scotland® survey, 91% of our customers said that their mental heath had been impacted by their debt problems.
84% also said that their mental health had improved since entering into a debt solution with us.
Few debt problems are unsolvable, there is always a route.
The cost-of-living crisis is set to plunge over 450,000 people in Scotland into debt.
A further 644,000 people are predicted to be pushed further into their existing debts.
Additional Mental Health Services & Support in Scotland
For those seeking additional mental health support, below are some local organisations who are able to provide further help.
Scottish Association for Mental Health
☎ 0141 530 1000
📧 info@samh.org.uk
Change Mental Health
☎ 0300 323 1545
📧 info@changemh.org
Breathing Space Scotland
☎ 0800 83 85 87
Health in Mind
☎ 0131 225 8508
📧 hello@health-in-mind.org.uk
See Me Scotland
📧 info@seemescotland.org
Action In Mind
☎ 01786 451203
📧 info@actioninmind.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation Scotland
☎ 0207 803 1100
📧 scotland@mentalhealth.org.uk
Debt Help
Here at Trust Deed Scotland®, we give advice on all formal debt solutions available in Scotland.
There are a number of solutions available which suit a variety of circumstances.
Formal solutions such as a Trust Deed or the Debt Arrangement Scheme allow you to freeze interest and charges while repaying your debt at an affordable and realistic rate.
Some solutions, such as a Trust Deed can also often allow for a portion of debt to be legally written off.
Our experienced and non-judgemental team also provide the necessary signposting for the relevant mental health support if necessary.
The debt advice team at Trust Deed Scotland® can also give you the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions plus alternative formal Scottish debt solutions available for Scottish residents.
Call us on 0141 221 0999 for more information.