- If you need help now
- Samaritans: call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day
- Text support
- Shout: text 85258, free, 24/7
- Special protection
- Mental health crisis Breathing Space
- First step
- Tell someone you trust and get free debt advice
On this page
How debt and mental health affect each other
Debt can cause anxiety, low mood and sleepless nights, and mental health problems can make it harder to open post, answer calls or manage money. It is a common cycle, and it is not a personal failing. Help for both is available, and getting one under control often makes the other easier.
If you are struggling to cope
- If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
- Samaritans: call 116 123 for free, at any time.
- Shout: text SHOUT to 85258 for free text support at any time.
- NHS 111: in England you can call 111 and choose the mental health option for urgent help that is not an emergency.
- Speak to your GP about support and treatment.
You can also contact a charity such as Mind or Rethink Mental Illness.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
Telling your creditors
Lenders must treat customers in financial difficulty fairly, and the FCA expects extra care for people who are vulnerable. Telling them about a mental health problem can lead to more patience, a pause on collection or a payment plan you can manage. You do not have to give detailed medical history, but evidence helps. A debt adviser can send a letter or use a standard form, such as the Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form that your GP or care team can complete.
You can also allow someone you trust, or a debt adviser, to deal with creditors for you. Give written permission so creditors can talk to them.
Mental health crisis Breathing Space
Standard Breathing Space gives 60 days of protection from most creditor action. There is also a mental health crisis version for people receiving mental health crisis treatment.
- It lasts for as long as the crisis treatment does, plus 30 days.
- Interest, fees and enforcement on included debts stop, and creditors cannot contact you about the debt.
- It is arranged through a debt adviser, together with an approved mental health professional who confirms you are in crisis treatment. The adviser and your care team can help.
Practical steps that help
- Open post in small steps, with someone you trust if you can. Keep letters in one place and note the dates.
- Start with the debts that matter most, such as housing, council tax and energy. See our budgeting guide.
- Ask creditors to contact you in writing, or by a method you can cope with.
- Check you are claiming every benefit you are entitled to. See debt and benefits.
- Look at the options in our getting debt free guide when you feel able.
Free advice: StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper.
If you are supporting someone else
Listen without judging, help them open and sort the post, and encourage them to get free debt advice. You are not responsible for their debts unless you took them out jointly or guaranteed them. See our guide to joint debts. If they are in crisis, encourage them to contact their GP, NHS 111 or Samaritans, or call 999 in an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
Can my mental health problem stop creditors chasing me?
Not automatically, but it can lead to more flexibility and, if you are in crisis treatment, the mental health Breathing Space gives full protection while treatment lasts.
Do I have to tell my creditors about my mental health?
No, but it often helps. Creditors must treat customers in difficulty fairly, and evidence from your GP or care team can lead to a better response.
What if I cannot open my post?
Ask someone you trust to help, or ask a debt adviser to contact creditors for you. Many creditors will use email or phone if you ask.
Can I get help if I have spent money while unwell?
Yes. Tell your adviser. Some lenders will consider this when reviewing the debt, and a medical letter can help. It is worth raising early.
Is there free support for me and my money?
Yes. The charities above give free debt advice, and mental health charities can help with your wellbeing. You can use both at the same time.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.