World Mental Health Day: Why financial wellbeing matters too

World Mental Health Day on October 10th is a reminder that looking after our mental health means looking at the bigger picture — and that includes your finances.

As you’ll know if you’ve ever experienced money troubles, finances worries can affect almost every part of daily life, from sleep and relationships to our ability to concentrate and enjoy find joy in life. Whether you’re struggling with rising bills, worrying about your mortgage, feeling behind on retirement savings or simply unsure whether you’re making the right financial decisions, uncertainty can take a real emotional toll.

And it works both ways: when we’re stressed or anxious, it can be harder to make clear decisions about money. Getting your finances in better shape won’t solve every problem, but taking a few small, practical steps can help you feel more in control — and give you one less thing to worry about.

Five ways to get financial worries in check

1. Face your finances, one step at a time

Avoiding your bank balance or unopened bills might feel easier in the moment, but uncertainty can make anxiety worse. Set aside 15 minutes to check what you have coming in, what you have going out and what needs paying. You don’t have to solve everything at once — simply understanding your starting point can help. It can feel scary to face the full extent of a problem, but very often it’s the anticipation that is worse. Seeing things clearly and deciding you no longer want to live in fear of a problem, can actually make you feel like a weight has lifted.

And if it’s too much to face alone, ask for help. Organisations like StepChange, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK, and MoneyHelper offer free advice and support from trained professionals who are experienced at helping people face and overcome financial worries.

2. Focus on what you can control

You can’t control the cost of living, interest rates or what the Government announces in the Budget. But you may be able to review subscriptions, switch to a better savings rate or check whether you’re paying more than you need to for household bills. Pick one manageable action rather than trying to fix everything at once.

3. Make a plan for the things that worry you most

If you’re anxious about debt, an upcoming bill or whether you’ll have enough for retirement, write down the specific concern and one step you could take towards addressing it. For example, you could contact a creditor to discuss affordable repayments or check your State Pension forecast. A clear next step can make a problem feel less overwhelming.

4. Talk to someone rather than carrying struggles alone

You know the old adage – a problem shared is a problem halved.

So while money can feel embarrassing to discuss, don’t go thinking you have to deal with them alone. Financial worries are incredibly common – probably far more common than most people realise, specifically because no-one likes to talk about them!

Talking to a trusted friend, family member or a free, impartial debt advice service can help you see your options more clearly – and make you realise what you’re going through isn’t unique to you.

And remember, you don’t need to wait until things reach crisis point to ask for help.

Organisations like StepChange, Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK, and MoneyHelper offer free advice and support from trained professionals who are very experienced at helping people face and overcome financial worries. And they don’t judge.

5. Give yourself permission to take a break

It’s sensible to keep an eye on your finances, but constantly checking investment values, reading alarming headlines or worrying about every spending decision can become exhausting. Set aside a regular time to deal with money matters, then give yourself permission to switch off. Looking after your mental health is important too.

And remember: if financial worries are seriously affecting your mental health, you don’t have to manage that alone. Alongside getting financial guidance, consider speaking to your GP or a mental health professional if problems are becoming overwhelming.