Mental health

What is Mental health?

Mental health is something that affects all of us and is just as important as your physical health. It’s how you feel from an emotional, psychological and social point of view.

This means it affects how you think, the decisions you make and how you manage daily activities or relate to other people. For example, you may find it difficult making decisions about your finances and how you manage your money.

How do I know if my mental health is suffering?

Problems with your mental health aren’t always easy to spot. It’s good to know when you might be suffering so you can act on it straight away.

Some signs to look out for are:

  • Getting angry or being aggressive, but you can’t explain why
  • Having negative thoughts, such as suicide or self-harming
  • Experiencing mood swings or not wanting to do anything
  • Finding things more confusing, or daily activities become harder to cope with
  • Feeling anxious about paying bills or how much money you have in your bank account
  • Sleeping more or less than normal, or waking up a lot during the night
  • Avoiding social groups, even if it’s meeting with friends and family
  • Stopping the things you used to enjoy.

If you start to notice these signs, the NHS website and Mind have advice on how to take care of your mental wellbeing.

 

What help can you offer me?

We understand that worrying about money and your mortgage can affect your mental health. Please let us know if you need support managing your mortgage or you just want to talk to us. We’ll work with you to see how we can help. This could mean changing how often we contact you, the way we contact you, or arranging for someone to talk to us on your behalf – visit our third party mandate page for details.

You can also manage your mortgage or ask us any questions using your hub. Once you’ve registered, it’s available seven days a week, at a time that suits you.

Visit our money worries page if you’re concerned about the cost of living or paying your mortgage. This also has details on where to go to for help with your other finances.

 

What will you do with my information?

You may find it difficult to tell us about any mental health issues, so give us as much or as little information as you want. We’ll only use what you tell us about your health to help you. We’ll keep anything you say confidential.

 

Where else can I get help with my mental health?

For advice on mental health here’s where you can get help:

  • Visit your doctor. They may be able to help you with treatment and could refer you to another professional.
  • Get in touch with a charity that give free help and support. Some popular charities are:
    • Mind support and advise people to help them understand and manage their mental health
    • Mental Health UK bring together the expertise of four charities; Rethink Mental Illness (England), Hafal (Wales), Support in Mind Scotland and Mindwise (Northern Ireland). They provide support and services for those facing mental health challenges with alcoholism, money problems, loneliness and isolation
    • Samaritans help and support people all day and night, who are in or may end up in a crisis
    • Anxiety UK provide support and relief to anyone dealing with anxiety, stress or depression. Family, friends and carers can also get help.
  • Visit the NHS website for more information about mental health.