As the New Year

approaches, people who are worried about debt, housing and employment

will get practical and emotional support from a new NHS helpline

launched today by Phil Hope, Care Services Minister.

NHS

Stressline callers will receive practical information and advice from

trained health advisors. If they are suffering from stress, anxiety or

depression, they will be directed to a wider package of financial and

mental health support. The Stressline number is 0300 123 2000 and it is

open daily from 8am-10pm.

The

helpline, which has been successfully piloted, is linked to the

Government’s flagship Talking Therapies programme and will be the focus

of a new public awareness campaign in the New Year.

 The facts show:

 · Debt

can be a cause and a consequence of mental health problems, such as

stress, anxiety and depression, but often people do not know where to

seek help;

 · Nearly half the UK population worried about money and debt in 2009;

 · A

quarter of people with mental health problems experience debt, but a

third of people these people do not seek help for financial

difficulties; and

 · Average household debt in the UK is £9,120 excluding mortgages.

 Phil Hope, Care Services Minister, said,

 “After

the festive season many of us take a long hard look at our finances.

Tightening our belts and getting out of debt always features high on

the list of New Year’s resolutions. But debt can have a serious impact

on a person's mental wellbeing, causing stress, depression and even

suicidal thoughts.

 “The NHS Stressline is there to help

improve people’s mental and financial wellbeing. Whether it’s practical

advice, emotional support or the first step in getting treatment for

depression, it will give people real help to tackle their money

worries.”

Jacqui Jedrzejewski, NHS Direct Mental Health Lead, said:

 “We

know the credit crunch hits people in many different ways, and job

insecurity, redundancy, debt and money problems can all cause feelings

of distress and helplessness.

 “Throughout this pilot stage

we’ve seen some very poignant examples of how the NHS Stressline has

already helped people. Like the 49-year-old man who had just lost his

job and felt unable to tell his wife, so continued to act as if he was

going to work every day whilst secretly contemplating suicide. Or the

28-year-old woman who was stressed and anxious about her mounting debt

due to a cut in her hours at work and felt she didn’t have anywhere to

turn.

 “In these cases, our trained health advisors listened

and offered sympathetic, relevant support and advice that helped them

both take control of their situation. Additionally, the lady was

pointed to a service which could provide specific help with her

finances and in the gentleman’s case, as with anyone feeling extremely

distressed or suicidal, an NHS Direct nurse advisor was available for a

further assessment.”

 Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:

 “Money

worries and fears about job security have the potential to trigger

mental health problems like depression and anxiety. When people are

faced with piles of bills and deep emotional despair the future can

seem bleak and it can be difficult to know where to turn for advice. We

would encourage anyone experiencing these difficulties to contact the

NHS Stressline for support and advice.”