Debt takes toll on those with mental health problems

12 May 08

Source: Community Care

A Mind survey of over 1800 people with mental health problems found they owed £3,250 on average on store and credit cards, and just over half were in 'problem debt' - defined as having fallen two or more consecutive payments behind with at least one bill during the past 12 months.

Over 90% of those in problem debt had experienced a deterioration in their mental health, while the survey also found that only a minority of this group disclosed their conditions to lenders and most of those who did faced negative attitudes as a result.

Eighty three per cent said they had been harassed about their debts despite informing lenders of their mental health problems, while 79% said their conditions had not been taken into account when decisions were made about their financial difficulties.