Money & Advice

A fond farewell to Jan

12th Jun 2009

Bromley Mind had to recently bid a fond farewell to Jan Bereziuk, who was their Welfare Benefits adviser for over ten years, and has moved on to pastures new.

Jan worked incredibly hard to ensure that service users of Bromley were given a fair deal with their benefits, and will be sorely missed.

Taking his place will be David Feast, and we wish both David and Jan the very best of luck for the future.

Bromley Mind Welfare Benefits Advisory Service listing

The Human Cost of the Recession

5th Dec 2008

As the Conservative party predicts that we will see a staggering 26% increase in the number of people experiencing mental health problems by 2010 as a direct result of Britain's economic crisis, leading mental health charity Mind says that more investment is needed in services to help cope with this potential surge.

Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer (right) said:

"Financial health and mental health are inextricably linked. If people think that the recession is just about the cost to industry, then think again - it's also about the wide-ranging human costs. Job insecurity, redundancy, debt and financial problems are all proven to contribute to mental distress. As more people come face to face with these problems, there is no doubt that we will see an increase in depression, anxiety and stress. We need to make sure that these aren't the first steps up a one-way street by providing mental health support when people need it.

"All the indications are that next year we will see an increase in redundancies across more and more professions. As jobs are threatened and more people need to seek new employment, it's vital that we fight discrimination in the workplace so that people with mental distress are given an equal chance to stay in and find work.

"No one is immune to the recession, and no one is immune to the distress this can cause. It's never been a more important time to invest in mental health."

In May 2008, Mind published the report 'In the red: debt and mental health' which revealed that for people who already experienced mental distress, 91% said it made their mental health problems worse. We would encourage anyone struggling with their finances to talk about their concerns and seek advice and help. Mind recently launched a new section on it's website with advice on money management and where to get help: http://www.mind.org.uk/money

New survey reveals how the credit crunch is affecting our mental health

22nd Oct 2008

A new survey released on World Mental Health Day (10th Oct) has revealed that whilst the credit crunch has understandably made many people a little more depressed and anxious, just 8% had become a lot more depressed and anxious.

The YouGov survey commissioned by mental healthcare specialists Affinity found that overall 51% of people surveyed said that they were in fact unaffected by the current financial circumstances, and a further 37% had been a little more anxious or depressed. There were some variations in responses in that greater levels of effect were reported in those aged between 45-54 (41% a little more anxious and depressed, 9% a lot more anxious and depressed). Also the most affected regions have been Yorkshire and the Humber (46%), West Midlands and East of England (all with 47%) whilst the North East is the least, with 37%.

An issue raised through this survey was variation in how open people are in acknowledging mental health symptons. People in the North East are more likely to admit they have suffered a mental illness (24%) whilst those in the East of England and the South West are least likely to (11%).

Affinity Healthcare's consultant psychiatrist and honorary professor at Chester University Dr Ben Green (pictured right) said: "This is an interesting snapshot of the UK's mental health. It is clear that the credit crunch is having some effect on people's mental wellbeing, and it is clear that there is variation in how open some people are able to be about their mental health.

"Mental health is often affected by the economic climate and it's understandable that homeowners are more likely to feel more depressed and anxious due to the current economic turbulence. However, with openness and support, symptoms might well resolve."

He added that mental illness, which can be a problem with anxiety, mood or behaviour or a mental disorder, is misunderstood in the UK. The survey revealed that mental health problems affect many people's lives, either directly or through family members or close friends. Women are more likely to speak out with 17% admitting to suffering from a mental illness compared to 13% of men.

Dr Ben Green continued: "This survey is aimed at raising awareness of mental health and dispelling the negative stereotypes that people attach to the disorder. It revealed that 36% of respondents thought drug addicts would be most likely to suffer from a mental health problems, with another 19% admitting to thinking elderly people would be most likely to suffer.

"With some commentators stating that 1 in 4 of all people are likely to suffer from a mental health problem at some point in their life, we believe that these findings show that many people don't realise that it can be something as common as suffering from depression or anxiety."

Dr Green added "Another worrying area of this survey is that a high proportion of young people aged 18-24 (38%) seem to be turning to the internet as a way of diagnosing their problem rather than seeking treatment from a professional. It's vital that someone who suffers from mental health problems seeks professional clinical help in the form of a family doctor or a recognised support service.

"Mental health problems can leave individuals feeling isolated and alone. On World Mental Health Day, it's important that people realise they don't have to suffer alone and that there is help available."

For help and advice on any mental health issues contact:

MindinfoLine (Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm) on 0845 766 0163