Money

Money is a huge source of stress and depression for people. Over half of the people, who replied to a poll on money, said they felt worse as a result of money or job problems caused by the recession or as a result of all the bad news.

Not working

Not being able to work can cause money problems as well as being a source of depression in itself. Read our page on not working for tips on dealing with being unemployed.

Depression

Depression and low mood may prevent you from working or you may have to take time off sick for which you may not get paid. It can also make it hard to deal with those difficult bills or speak to company call centres.

Studying

Being a student can also lead to money stress. You probably only have a small amount of money to live on and it may be hard to get a part time job.

More going out than coming in

It can be very easy to live beyond your means. Maybe you deal with feeling crap by partying hard or by shopping too much. Or maybe it's just that your wages, student loans or benefits simply aren't enough to pay for the essentials in life like rent, food, power and a bit of socialising. And before you know it you're racking up the debt.

Face up to it

Is it too stressful to look at how much you owe or open those letters from creditors? You're not alone, there's help out there. Like depression, debt is beatable with help and support.

Many money advice companies will help you speak to companies and sort out a repayment plan. There's some listed on the right. Always contact an organisation offering free advice rather than the debt consolidation companies who advertise on TV and in magazines who will charge for their help.

Benefits and student support

Are you are getting all the benefits that you are entitled to? Many of the organisations listed in the box on the right can give you help and support with benefits as well as advising you on any other money problems you may have.

If you're a student are you getting all the money you're entitled to? Talk to student support services or your student union about financial support that might be available for you. Student loans have a low rate of interest and are often a good option.

The best things in life are free

Well ok maybe not, but there is a lot you can do that doesn't cost much money. Go for a walk in the park or the country, go to an art gallery, have your mates round rather than going out. You don't need us to tell you what to do, the important thing is you do something you enjoy.

Get help for depression or stress

If you overspend to feel better or if your low mood is preventing you from tackling your money problems, treating it will help. There's plenty of useful information on this website about dealing with feeling down. The getting help section is a good place to start or why not talk to us.

  1. Seek help- money management is a skill that can be learned just like any other
  2. Only take out money you need for week- when it runs out, that’s it
  3. Make sure you allow yourself some “treat” money. Deprivation doesn’t work!
  4. Keep all your bills together and calculate your monthly incomings and outgoings. Visit Budget Brain - a useful budget planner from TV money expert Martin Lewis.

Where to get help

Citizens Advice
Call Citizens Advice Direct on 0844 848 9600 for advice or visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Scottish Debtline
A charity providing support to people with money problems.  Freephone 0800 138 3328. Website.

National Debtline Scotland
A different charity providing free expert support to people in debt.  Freephone: 0808 808 4000. Website.

Money Advice Scotland
Money advice agencies in your area.

Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH)
Information on welfare benefits. Telephone 0141 568 7000. Website.

Money saving expert
Free information about getting out of debt and saving money from TV money expert, Martin Lewis.

Learn Direct Scotland
Information on learning and studying including funding.