Is Our MENTAL HEALTH Making Us Poorer?

How mental health issues can exacerbate your financial situation—and what you can do about it

- Katie Conibear

It’s never been easier to spend money. Contactless cards, one-click purchases on sites like Amazon and that late night Uber Eats delivery. But what if you are dealing with mental illness too? Mental illnesses have been shown to make you poorer, and our frictionless cash system is exacerbating the issue.

A study by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute of over 5,000 people with mental health problems showed 93 per cent spent more when they were ill. Seventy-two per cent reported that their mental health problems had made their financial situation worse. With mental health problems affecting one in four people every year, this is a serious issue. It’s a complex problem with no easy answers.

As someone living with bipolar disorder, I know the reality of overspending all too well. Over my adult life I’ve been in thousands of pounds of debt. The cycle of mania and depression would lead to my spending becoming out of control— it was an impulse I couldn't manage when I was manic and a form of comfort when I was depressed. I’ve been threatened with bailiffs when I couldn’t afford to pay back what I owed and it’s caused unbelievable stress, worry and fear.

There are thousands of stories just like mine. I spoke to JJ, who has depression and ADHD and told me that neither of these conditions help keep his finances in check.

“Years ago I had a credit card with my bank. I believe that I only requested a credit limit increase once or twice, but they kept raising the credit without asking me, and I kept spending.