NHS Stressline to help with debt worries

A new telephone service, NHS Stressline, was launched today to help people facing the New Year worried about debt, housing and employment.

NHS Stressline callers will receive practical information and advice from trained health advisers. If they are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression, they will be directed to a wider package of financial and mental health support.

The helpline, which has been piloted since July 2009 and has helped over 1000 callers, is linked to the government’s Talking Therapies programme. It will be the focus of a new public awareness campaign in the New Year.

The Department of Health cites evidence that debt can be a cause and a consequence of mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety and depression, but says that often people do not know where to seek help. A quarter of people with mental health problems experience debt, but a third of this group does not seek help for financial difficulties.

Phil Hope, care services minister, said: “After the festive season many of us take a long hard look at our finances. Tightening our belts and getting out of debt always features high on the list of New Year’s resolutions. But debt can have a serious impact on a person’s mental wellbeing, causing stress, depression and even suicidal thoughts.

“The NHS Stressline is there to help improve people’s mental and financial wellbeing. Whether it’s practical advice, emotional support or the first step in getting treatment for depression, it will give people real help to tackle their money worries.”

Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct mental health lead, said: “We know the credit crunch hits people in many different ways, and job insecurity, redundancy, debt and money problems can all cause feelings of distress and helplessness.

“Throughout this pilot stage we’ve seen some very poignant examples of how the NHS Stressline has already helped people. Like the 49-year-old man who had just lost his job and felt unable to tell his wife, so continued to act as if he was going to work every day whilst secretly contemplating suicide. Or the 28-year-old woman who was stressed and anxious about her mounting debt due to a cut in her hours at work and felt she didn’t have anywhere to turn.

“In these cases, our trained health advisers listened and offered sympathetic, relevant support and advice that helped them both take control of their situation. Additionally, the lady was pointed to a service which could provide specific help with her finances and in the gentleman’s case, as with anyone feeling extremely distressed or suicidal, an NHS Direct nurse adviser was available for a further assessment.”

The NHS Stressline number is 0300 123 2000 and it is open daily from 8am-10pm.