Debt Talk: Mental health & debt (May 2023)

In this episode on the Debt Talk podcast, Ripon Ray explored the link between mental health and debt and how being in debt can worsen your mental health.
Minara Meghna Uddin shared her experience of domestic and economic abuse, which impacted her mental health where seeking to go for support and speaking out was not an option. Whilst coming out of her marriage with children to look after and the anxiety of getting letters from debt collectors and visits from bailiffs. After having made several visits by a bailiff, he encouraged her to represent herself to go to court to deal with her debts.
Dr Thomas Richardson from the University of Southampton, spoke about how he lives with bipolar disorder. In his research work as an academic, he explored developing work for communities struggling with mental health and debt. He highlighted different types of mental health treatment available and how poverty makes it hard to overcome some of the strains in life.
Steven Coppard FCICM of Arum spoke about the taboo around discussing debt compared to mental health. He also explored the government regulatory breathing space regulations when someone struggles with mental health.
The panellists also provided top tips to Debt Talk listeners to support them in their journey out of mental and health debt.
In the next Debt Talk podcast in June, Ripon Ray will cover: ‘Welfare state, deficit budget & debt’.

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