Over a third (38%) of UK adults feel stressed when they think about money, according to first direct research1. And 3 in 10 sometimes feel embarrassed about their financial situation.
The coronavirus pandemic may have raised concerns around your current, or future, financial position. If you’re worried about covering your outgoings or your income has been affected, there is support available.
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about your finances, you’re not alone. Visit our mental health and support page to find out how we can help.
Understanding what makes you anxious about money could help you start tackling the problem. There may be particular moments or thoughts that trigger feelings of anxiety – opening a letter from the bank, or paying for your share at a restaurant, for example.
It may feel uncomfortable, but try to figure out what they are and why they’re stressful. Perhaps you’re worried about being overdrawn and being charged fees. Or it could be that you’re not sure you’ve got enough money in your account to pay for something.
Try to find the root cause of your anxiety – and write it down if it helps. If you want to speak to a professional for help with anxiety, you may want to reach out to Anxiety UK or Mind.
Conversations about money are not easy. But opening up to a trusted family member or friend could help you organise your thoughts and take some weight off your shoulders.
Friends and family are likely to want to help – whether that’s guiding you towards the right support, or just listening.
Who knows, they may have experienced, or be experiencing, similar anxieties themselves.
Putting your mental health and wellbeing first may help you feel more focused when it comes to tackling your financial worries.
Speak to your GP if you’re experiencing challenges with your mental health and wellbeing, as they’ll be able to help you further. And if you want to learn more, the NHS website is a good place to start.
There are also some things you can do right now. They may not make the problem go away, but they may help you in the moment:
rehydrate – even mild dehydration can cause disturbances in mood
get enough sleep – sleep can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and can improve your mood
exercise for 30 minutes a day, regularly
change your surroundings – go to a park, take a walk, somewhere different from where you are now
breathing exercises – there are many apps available which can help
It’s your choice if you want to speak to your bank about any concerns you have, but they may be able to help. For example, they may have advice and support you can access.
If you bank with us and need support, please get in touch to see how we can help with your money worries or financial anxiety.
If you’re worried about your financial future, it might be useful to start making changes to how you manage your money now. Take a look at our guides on debt, spending and saving to help you get started.
Guides on debt
For independent advice, you can also contact:
Guides on budgeting and spending
Guides on saving
Putting steps in place could help relieve some of the worries you may have.
