When we think of the challenges associated with the cost of living, we are generally steered toward those involving basic human needs, such as food and shelter. These needs are, as costs associated with ingredients and utilities rise, becoming harder to assure for every household. So much so, in fact, that this year’s winter is being described as a season of heat or eat.

Surrounding these issues, however, are mental health problems. It can be easy to forget that those struggling to eat regular meals or maintain a warm home will, as a result, experience greater levels of stress and depression. Yet, those who sit most closely to the poverty line are far more likely to experience mental health issues than those who remain unaffected by immediate financial hardship. As such, it is expected that, following the wake of increasing poverty, mental health disorders will become more frequent and more severe.

One such issue associated with the cost of living crisis are the growing levels of detachment across society, with many individuals losing the ability to connect with others and, as a result, seeing their support network less frequently. Among those who have confirmed to be seeing their family and friends less frequently, 37% are feeling lonely, with growing levels of isolation (36%), anxiety (35%), and stress (32%) too.

This is related to the cost of living crisis in a number of ways. Fuel costs, for example, have grown significantly, limiting the ability of individuals to drive and connect with others. Nearly 60% of individuals in the same study noted that they were unable to afford the fuel costs associated with driving to see their support network. 

Other issues stem from being unable to take care of oneself and individual happiness, having to prioritise basic needs, such as food and energy, and then denying the expense of that which brings joy. Nearly half of all therapists (49%) noted that clients are cutting back on activities that are beneficial to their mental health, such as attending the gym or participating in sports. By eliminating such activities from a weekly routine, individuals may save on expenses but they are more likely to experience symptoms of mental health disorders instead.

Many are cutting back on mental health support too, with therapists noting that nearly half of clients are now pausing or altogether cancelling sessions because they cannot afford the associated costs. Mental health is, as a result of the cost of living crisis, being sacrificed. This is important to note because symptoms and ailments associated with mental health worsen if not treated or caught early on, leading to greater difficulties down the line.

We believe that this crisis will have an adverse effect on mental health across our society and that individuals will need to seek greater levels of support. If you would like to arrange an initial consultation to discuss your mental health with the potential to begin long-term counselling, please get in touch with our team at Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy.