Cost of Living Impact on Mental Health 2022-2023
Everyone is well aware of the cost of living crisis in the UK right now, regardless of who you are, where you come from or what you earn.
In fact, The Royal College of Psychiatrists found that the cost of living is now detrimental on the nation’s mental health [1].
In fact, mental health services across the country had record level referrals, with approximately 4.3 million people being referred to mental health services across the UK last year, and another 1.4 million people currently on the waiting list for treatment [1].
As we already know, the NHS is currently under huge pressure, due to the backlog of appointments due to the 2019 Coronavirus pandemic.
Unfortunately, those who were already suffering from money issues and unemployment before the cost of living crisis are being hit the hardest. Single household and single income families are said to be some of the most vulnerable members of our society right now, and this is showing in children.
In fact, a recent study has found that poverty is one of the biggest causes for mental health issues in children up and down the country [2].
Children who live in some of the most deprived areas in the UK are also set to feel the consequences of the cost of living most, with people living in the most deprived areas of the UK being twice more likely to commit suicide compared to those living in the most wealthiest areas of the country [2].
Read Rehab Recovery‘s infographic for more information on how the cost of living and poverty affects mental health [3].
References
[2] https://www.samaritans.org/news/cost-of-living-an-open-letter-to-the-prime-minister/
[3] See additional details on the alcohol rehab in London article.